reyes-chow :: FAITH

Looking for Moderator Info?

If you are here looking for info about that yahoo, Bruce Reyes-Chow, who is standing for Moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) - say that 5 times fast - you are sort of in the right place.  Here you will find musing and rants by Bruce that - as much as possible and for a price - are NOT about his Moderator journey.  You are of course welcome to poke around here, but if you really want to get the 411 on the whole moderator thing, click on over to www.mod.reyes-chow.com.

Let me just say this about Pittsburgh

As some of you know I have been in Pittsburgh the past few days as part of my Moderator adventure.  It has been a great joy hanging out with friends, seeing some sights and talking with people about their hopes for the future of the church.  I'll do a longer recap on the other blog, but here are at least four reasons you should visit Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Project - All I can say is WOWZA!  What a gem and witness in the community.  The programs are too numerous to name: home repair, after school services, park renovation, and the Mosaic Church Community.  I was most impressed with the bold way in which they have simple done what needed to be done and just done it.  What a  powerful model and approach to ministry.

The Open Door - What a wonderful community.  While I was not able to be at MBCC this Sunday, it felt like home: sacred space, a casual feel and just a tad of snark.    BJ Woodworth and the crew are being and doing some good stuff there.  This Sunday was the monthly potluck and sharing of gifts.  There as a great dance of the liturgical variety - not a big fan, but this was AWESOME - as well as some moving readings and and music. 

Pirates Game - PNC park is a great baseball park.  Great seats, good food (see below) and the best part was the HUGE Pirates fan sitting right in front of us razzing the Atlanta outfielder and saying how loved one of the PNC attendants.  Second only to that were the Atalanta businessmen sitting in back of us trying to remember the words to Sugar Hill Gang's Rapper Delight . . . and then singing it.  Classic.

Primanti Brothers - Dude, seriously, I think I will be digesting that Pitts-Burgher Cheese Steak for the next month.  A couple of thoughts about this full-on comfort food sandwich.  One, apparently according to Marnie, "It just tastes like Pittsburgh."  And, I think the memory of eating it is far more enjoyable that the actual sandwich.  I suspect that every time I get hungry, I'll thinking, "Hmmmm Primanti would be good right now."  And THAT is what comfort food should be. 

And the best reason to visit the 'Burg is to hang out with uber cool Marnie and Derrick Weston.  Thanks for the hospitality.  It was great fun!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

Not uber-big into the Hallmark Holidays, but still feel compelled acknowledge that crazy lady who raised, nurtured and loved her kids through think and thin.  Thanks mom!*

*For more about this lady they call Sarah Reyes Gibbs, feel free to visit her blog, www.reyesgibbs.com, check out her church, Bethel Community Presbyterian Church in San Leandro and or friend her on Facebook.  Yeah, she is THAT hip ;-)

Does the Ooze have any standards at all?

Apparently the Ooze does not have standards - at least not high ones - because I am on some list of people that are being sent free books in the hopes that I review and blog about most of them.  Of course all it took was a blog posting from the Adam Cleaveland, a technorati authority over 50 and a quick eMail to say, "Sure, I'll read free books" and voila, I am one of 50 book-reading, blog-spewing narcissists.  Hey I call 'em like I see 'em ;-)  Did I mention these were free books?

While will never be as sweet of a reviewer as Mr. Copeland, See his most excellent review of Tony Jones' New Christians, I will do my best to give you some reason to buy it now, wait until later or don't bother.

I am about 3/4 of the way through the first book, Pete Gall's reflective memoir, Beautiful Idol.  Should be done with it in a few days and will post something next week.

I just received in the mail four more books and a CD.  Not sure what I'll start next, probably the one with the coolest cover ;-)  Yes, and I also choose my wine by the attractiveness of the label.  Sue me.  My choices are from the following:

• Feel: The Power of Listening to Your Heart by Matthew Elliott
• Porn Nation: Conquering America's #1 Addiction by Michael Leahy
• Hokey Pokey: Curious People Finding What Life's All About by Matthew Paul Turner
• We the Purple by Marcia Ford
• Songs for a Revolution of Hope, Vol 1: Everything Must Change CD by Brian McClaren and The Restoration Project

So if you have any thoughts about what I should read next and/or have a great idea for a creative rating system for movies, books, ect. feel free to drop a note.

Canadians can sing and Presbyterians can walk

Quick, here are three ways to let your voice be heard in some very random ways.

VOTE FOR LAURELL
A few months ago, MBCC and The Rock had the pleasure of hosting Laurell Hubick for worship and a little hanging out time.  It was a great deal of fun, she was a joy to get to know AND she could SANG!  I was most impressed by her lyrics which touch upon some great themes and make bold statements.  We still listen to your CD's and hope that she does well.  This AM I received a note from her Facebook Group asking for us to vote for her as part of a Canadian unsigned-artist thing.

laurell is currently competing for a $25,000 prize on redpipe.ca and needs your help! every day you're allowed to vote for her to continue in the competition... by voting you're not only helping her, but also entering yourself to win prizes for yourself as well! win-win, that's what we like! so tell all your friends and family to get on board too, the more the merrier . . . remember to vote every day and help laurell :) . . . voting lasts until may 31st.

VOTE HERE
Laurell's Website

SF AIDS WALK
As you know many of us have been part of the "Presbyterians Fighting AIDS" team representin' the Presby's at the the annual event.  This year it takes place on July 20th and we are hoping to get 100 people registered so we can get one of the BIG tables for the BBQ and gathering space.  Please take five minutes to register even if you may not be able to walk.  Register every member of your household, family pets, etc. as we know people will tend to show up late in the process so may not be counted by the time they assign tables.  Also please pass this along to your churches and get them connected with this great public witness.  If you have any questions you can contact the main organizer, Marcus Jung, [marcauditor at juno dot com]. Okay so what are you waiting for, please REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

There are a couple of "Mock Elections" as part of my Moderator Journey.  They don't really mean much in the end, but if you need just one more excuse to let your voice be heard - or waste just a few more minutes online - feel free to play.  Not sure what we get if we win these elections, but I am hoping for one of these.  Also, if you are going to be a General Assembly and want to be part of the on-site team or can take a shift in the booth, please let me know.  The more the merrier!

• Presbyterians for Renewal GA2008 Site [VOTE HERE]
• John Shuck's Blog [VOTE HERE]

Trying to maintain some kind of balance

I met with my spiritual director today and she asked me a couple of really good questions, "What is God's word for Bruce today?" and "You sound a little off center, what's going on?"

First, let me say that I know life is crazy for most everyone.  Sometimes it is good crazy and other times not so much.  These past few weeks I have been able to stay just this side of the good kind, but I can just tell it wouldn't take much more to get me to the other side.  Sometimes this "in-between" is the worst place to be because, lets face it, it is not as easy to figure out.  That whole self-reflection thing has to happen and that is never fun ;-)

As many of you know, this whole moderator thing has been taking a toll on me and the family.  Not that we do not think it is totally worth it, but it has been like taking on another job without really having the space to do so.  Folks have been great in all aspects of our life to build a "net" of support, but still, it has been a challenge.  It has been an exhilarating challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.

What I have discovered is that I must be more disciplined than ever in claiming my Sabbath, my center and my grounding.  When I am not disciplined, I feel off-kilter and am not able to maintain any kind of focus on the big picture.  And while that may be good for short periods of time, with a church, family and self needing to maintain some level of health, my meanderings can't last too long lest I give up my responsibilities within these contexts.

The word for me from God has always been "Balance."  And I am reminded of this by my family.  Over and over again, I am drawn back to a place of balance by my understanding of God in the midst of my family.  Family is my center and my grounding.  Through the lens of my family I best understand my relationship with God.  Moreover I am driven to be a positive presence in the world because I am so grateful for the gift of my family.  As I watch my kids grow up, I am amazed at the immensity of God's willingness to trust Robin and I with these three gifts and am humbled by the responsibility to raise them. 

I stumbled upon this picture from a few Ash Wednesdays ago of Eldest place the ashes upon my forehead, "From dust you came and to dust you shall return."  As I reflect on the past few months and the months ahead that may get even crazier I not only rest in that humbling understanding of God's power and presence, but I am given energy and strength by the blessings that send me out.

Happy birthday to me . . .

Here I am squeezing a post in before Robin returns with seven little girls for my middle child's birthday sleepover.    Robin pulled trampoline duty and I got the house and dinner prep.  Yes, my birthday is just one day after the middle one so for all intents and purposes, I have no longer have a birthday.  That's cool.  I get my toys throughout the year - and then lose them - and life is pretty good.  Still, I am grateful for the well wishes over on my FB Wall.  Thanks for the luvin'.  Please know that you all help me to truly understand and experience the breadth and complexity of God.  Pretty freaking awesome if you ask me. 

Now off to cook chicken nuggets and tater tots.
Yeah, we know how to throw a party ;-)

DAIO and The Presbyterian Outlook

Look what I get for going to sleep.  Last night, DAIO looked all normal and this AM, they are now joined with the new look site of The Presbyterian Outlook.  Change? Collaboration? What the heck is going on here ;-)

Looks great all!

Happy birthday to our junkyard piglet

How the frak* did Middle get to be seven?  We used to call her "Junkyard Piglet" because she has always been small and cute, but don't underestimate her, she is a scrappy one.

* Robin and I have been watching Season 3 of Battlestar Gallactica.  Oh how I missed you Six.

Anne LaMott on the Colbert Report

[h/t: Andy]

This is freaking hilarious!  Anne representing the Presbyterians!

Hop on the BRC moderator bandwagon

Over the past few weeks and after a quick google search, I have learned . . .

BRC = Billy Ray Cyrus
BRC = Black Rock City
BRC = Bragging Rights Corner
BRC = Big Round Cubitron
BRC.org = Bowery Residents Committee
BRC.edu = Baton Rouge College
BRC.com = Baxter Research Center

I think Billy Ray is my fav.

BRC are also my initials and the initials of this yahoo standing for the ridiculous/significant office of Moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  And while I did promise not to weigh this blog down with too much Presby-nerd stuff, I come to you today to ask you to join in for the stretch run. Only seven weeks to go until the election on June 21 and after the first gatherings with all candidates, I am really energized.  The church is asking difficult questions of itself and having some great interaction about the future of the denomination and the church.  The candidates are honing their messages, listening to the church and each brings particular gifts and experiences to the journey.

As I engage in my own style of standing for moderator, I humbly come to you asking for your support in various ways.  If you would like to lend a hand, click a link or make a donation, here are some ways to get involved:

BLOG // Subscribe to and engage in the conversations over a the moderator blog.

FB // Waste spend some time over on Facebook*

• "Friend" me or introduce me to your Presby-friends
• Join the BRC for Moderator Group // Now close to 600 with updates every 100 memebers.
• Become a Facebook Fan // Yeah, goofy, but you'll get "fan-only" updates on occasion ;-)
• Add some "Profile Flair" // Search for Reyes-Chow

BLOGGING // If you do think this whole moderator is a good thing for the church, please consider blogging about why you think so.  I think this is not so much about ME, but what kinds of questions would I ask, what tone would I try to set and generally what would be the focus of the two years should I be elected.  As you have gotten to know me, if you think I would do those well, I would appreciate an encouraging word.  [Current "Endorsements"]  You can also add some bling to your blog!

GENERAL ASSEMBLY // If you are going to be at GA and would like to help "staff" my booth, please let me know and I'll pass your info along to the scheduler.  You never know, you may just score a free t-shirt, button, sticker or lanyard.  Yeah, I know, try to contain your excitement.  And unless you are a GA volunteer, it may cost $20 to register for the evening as an on-site visitor.  I am trying to score some passes, but just a heads up.  You won't get to vote if you there, but if you REALLY want to you can [VOTE HERE] on this online poll.

DUCKETS // While most of this support soliciting is supposed to be done underground, call me crazy, but if I don't ask, it won't happen.  Plus, I have no shame ;-)  If you want help defray some of the costs of this journey (Roughly 5K) feel free to pitch in.  Here is how my sister asks on her website, www.reyesrivera.com.

The hot issue in our family is that Bruce is running for moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA. BIG- BIG deal people, equate it to the Pope of the Catholic Church, the President of the Universe or Optimus Prime. Regardless of your religious affiliation please support the brother, (and by brother I mean sibling not hommie). If you would like to contribute to his campaign please send your scrilla:

Tax Deductible Donations should be made out to:
San Francisco Presbytery
ATTN: BRC for Moderator
2024 Durant Avenue
Berkeley CA 94704

PRAYERS // Well maybe this should be first way to take part, but in any case, your prayers are welcomed.  This is a pretty amazing journey to undertake something that I truly feel called to do.  This denomination has raised and formed me, and while we have a great deal of work ahead of us, I think that we bring some foundations of faith that are worth gifting to the future of the church.

• For Robin - and her partnership in all of this;
• For the Girls - that they might understand why dad is traveling so much;
• For MBCC - that, even though they might not fully understand, for the support given;
• For Me - that I remain true to who God has called me to be;

I think that is it for now.  Thanks to so many who have already shown their support in so many ways. As I said before this has been a WILD ADVENTURE up to now and it is only getting more intense and invigorating every day!

*If you have not yet joined the time-suck that is Facebook, you can either click on any of the Facebook links above or just send me an eMail and I'll send you an invitation.