30 January 2012

Reflections on The Journey.

It has been a few weeks since our group departed from Iceland, saying good-bye to our hosts and wonderful new friends. As I begin to settle back into my routine of life back at home, some aspects of my trip keep coming up in my mind. Iceland is a beautiful place that has so many wonderful landscapes, and natural wonders, such as the Blue Lagoon, that took my breath away. However, the things that I think about most were the people.
The hospitality was so amazing. For a country to have gone through such a tough economic time, and yet show our group such generosity was awe-inspiring. The wonderful conversations that were had with colleagues in ministry/education. I enjoyed getting the chance to talk with pastors and seminarians that are in a church body that was different than my own. These talks gave me a since that, though we were different, the Church Universal was very much a reality. The idea that God moves and acts in people throughout cultural identities and the notion of the one body of Christ came to fruition with these conversations.
With all of these things in mind, the reflection I come to most often is how a short two-week trip has really opened my mind. I am aware of the broader since of the world, but I am also now aware of my lacking worldview. I was in a place that spoke a language that I could not begin to understand on a serious level. My saving grace was their ability to speak English very well. Yet I had a tugging pain every time I had to ask someone to speak my language in their home. I have become aware of the assumptions I have as a citizen of the United States. I have always been understood, even when I went away from home. Yet when they would speak amongst each other, I felt completely isolated. This has given me a deeper since of what it is like for someone to not have a clue what is going on, as like a stranger, traveler, or immigrant. My trip has given me a glimpse into what it is like to be surrounded by a sea of unknown. If not for our hosts we would have been literally and figuratively lost. For this I cannot thank them enough, and I realize my need to think in a broader sense.
All in all this trip was a wonderful, life-altering trip that will be with me always.

Gracious God, I pray to you a prayer of thanksgiving for the unbelievable experience that was given to our group those short few weeks ago. I ask for your Spirit to renew and continue to guide our hosts in their lives, as well as the ministries that they support and uphold. Give us all the ability to recognize your light in the whole world, and let us live in the knowledge that your grace stretches out to all humanity. In the name of your gracious Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ I pray, AMEN.

29 January 2012

What I Have Gained

I learned many things during my time in Iceland. I have learned how hospitality is a wonderful gift to the church and how much of a blessing it is for the recipient. I have come to understand a different meaning of "parish" which I appreciate and has challenged how I have viewed it previously (an Icelandic parish is the community in which the church building resides, not just the people who attend worship). I have experienced new and innovative ways to approach worship and education, one of which is holding Sunday school at a retirement facility to encourage inter-generational education and fellowship. I have learned how misconduct of leaders in the church can be damaging not just for the time they are in the leadership role, but for generations to follow. I have experienced a different culture than my own from a wonderful group of people. I have learned how joining together with neighboring parishes can be both beneficial for the pastors and also for the surrounding community especially for the care of the poor and the hungry. I have eaten of the delicacies of Iceland and have come back a stronger individual. I am extremely grateful for all those involved in this trip, especially Gunnar for putting this together and for Erikur and Stefania for allowing Emily and I to stay with them. I want to thank all the pastors that we met with for allowing time in their busy schedule to speak to us about their ministry and their lives. Takk Fyrir! Bless bless!

God, thank you for this opportunity to experience your people and your church in Iceland. I ask that you guide their process for electing a new Bishop of Iceland and that this be a smooth process and will benefit your church in Iceland. Help those of us who were blessed to be a part of this trip to continue ruminating on all that we experienced and that we will never forget the kindness and hospitality given us by the Icelandic people. Amen.

Babies Sleeping Outside

As we were preparing to depart on Saturday, our hostess Stefania was putting little Styrmir down for a nap - outside. I thought she was joking at first, but five layers later he was ready to be tucked into the blankets and covered in the stroller to be set out on the patio for his nap.

Turns out babies in Iceland have always slept outside. "It supports healthy babies. And, well, that's the way it has always been done."

She was as shocked to hear this would likely be considered neglect in the US (yes, even when it's your own patio) as I was upon the realization she was being serious about putting the 10-month-old outside in Iceland. Right, cultural lenses and different traditions. Got it. (I wish we got to sleep outside more...)

I enjoyed leaving Iceland on a note of recognition that, though in many ways it seemed much like home, our histories and traditions are in vastly different. (Even putting aside the fact that Iceland has centuries on us here in the US...) It is exciting to recognize the similarities and differences between cultures and places of living. Already I am forgetting the harshness of the smell of sulfur as I brushed my teeth in the morning, and being amazed how quickly it became normal to shower amidst the smell. The first few mornings back I was relishing it, and now the memory of the smell is turning from sour to sweet and I debate boiling eggs to get a tease of it. The heart-shaped pepperkaker cookies we brought home are nearly gone, sadly. And we have yet to find a cheese and ham combo that compliments each other as well as those of the breakfasts abroad. (Not to mention Winston isn't here to offer cutting it for us...) Listening to CDs of our host Erikur is not the same as being with him and Stefania and laughing hysterically, but it is nonetheless very lovely and helps us to remember the warm hospitality we were shown. The joy of hospitality has stuck with us, and we've had guests nearly daily at our home.

It is good to be home, and it is beautiful to be able to feel at home while away because of the love and kindness shown to you by yesterday's strangers/today's friends. It makes you feel like you can go anywhere and things will be okay. That's what being shown Christ's love will do to you. Looking ahead to a new adventure for a year (God only knows where...) for internship - this is a beautiful reassurance. Takk fyrir to all who helped plant this seed of remembrance.

27 January 2012

What Happens When One Leaves Iceland?

    Since returning from Iceland I have had a couple of inspirations. First, I have been exceedingly motivated to sleep.  We traveled quite a bit and the result was a state of exhaustion by the end of our trip.  I have slept well these last couple of weeks.  Secondly, I have been inspired to knit.  Icelandic women knit like crazy and, even though I am not an Icelandic woman, I was inspired to take up the Gandhi like profession of making some clothing.  Thirdly, I have been inspired to read more works from Iceland.  This started while I was in the country when I began reading some sagas.  I have read most extensively the saga of Grettir the Strong.  He is a wily character.
    I have also downloaded and begun reading another work by a more recently famous Icelander, Halldor Laxness.  He was Iceland's only Nobel laureate, awarded for his corpus of fictional books that give insight into Iceland, politics, oppression, mystical elements of life, as well as insight into oneself.  For the course we were required to read the book Under the Glacier which is a difficult read for its nonsensical chronology of plot, but fascinating for the depth to which it portrays the characters involved in the story.  However, as I found the book a little bit difficult to read, I took up the suggestion of my host, Guðni Már Harðarson, and picked up another of Laxness's books, Iceland's Bell.  Though the style is more terse than I am use to, it is nevertheless a very compelling read that is drawing me in for a couple of reasons.  First off, it gives insight into historical relationships between Iceland and other countries in western Europe.  Though it is a work of fiction, it gives a perspective of Iceland's place in history that speaks truth to real life experiences that were hinted at in our travels.
      Yet, Iceland's Bell also tells the tale of the main character leaving Iceland. He is accused of murdering the Danish King's hangman during a night of drunken revelry and, when given the opportunity to escape, flees to the continent.  When he leaves Iceland he does not have a good go of it.  He faces starvation and homelessness in Holland, is sentenced to death immediately when he crosses the border into Germany, and is immediately impressed into military service in Denmark after being derided for his Icelandic heritage.  All in all, his travels from Iceland meet undesireable ends.  So why do I find this character portrayal compelling?  Even though the events that befall the main character are not very good, his is nevetheless a tale in the first part of the book of one leaving Iceland for other parts of the world.  His fictional experiences have given opportunity for me to reflect upon what has happened and will happen now that I have left Iceland for Iowa.
      So far, aside from snowshoeing, indoor soccer, sleep and a lot of movie watching, the events surrounding my leaving Iceland have been thankfully quiet and nothing like those found in Iceland's Bell.  Yet, I do hope my experience in Iceland coupled with my present experiences back at home will lead to some changes.  For instance, to get by in Holland, the main character in Iceland's Bell learns the Dutch language in the year he sojourns there, learning to communicate with a people different from his own in a tongue different from his own.  It is easy in America to get sucked into thinking that English is the only language one needs in life for it is all one will really have to speak.  I hope to learn the language of another people so that I can think about the world in their terms.  Furthermore, I hope to remember from my time in Iceland experiencing the earth as constantly changing.  Though we did not feel any earthquakes or get stranded by any volcanic eruptions, it is nevertheless a present reality in Iceland that the land is constantly shifting and changing in noticeable ways.  The same is true in the middle of North America, though it is far less obvious.  I hope to continue to see the world as a place continual change in which the stability of our plans constantly faces the possibility of upheaval.
     Finally, having left Iceland, I hope that I will never forget the kind, quiet (except for Gunnar), generous persons that I encountered there.  It is wonderful to experience goodwill anywhere and it is even better to experience it everywhere.  I felt welcomed and can genuinely say that I encountered God in the least to the greatest of the Icelanders we met. It was a good trip.

21 January 2012

Prison

On our trip we had the privilege to meet with Iceland's pastor for prison ministries. Among his talents for ministering to those in prison, he is also an amazing chef which we experienced first hand when we visited his home. During our discussion of the prison system in Iceland we learned that there are only around 180 people in prison in Iceland at any given time. There is a waiting list for those who have committed recent crimes because there is not enough space for any more prisoners. The waiting list numbers in the 300s. Also, a figure that surprised some of us was that the sentence for murder is 16 years (I believe, however, it might be 18, I am not sure). Most prisoners, however, only serve around 1/2 to 2/3 of their sentence in prison and the rest on parole. The focus of the prison system here, however, is rehabilitation rather than punishment, which seems to be the focus of the system in the U.S.
In a discussion following our dinner with this pastor, we discussed how the victim would feel about the murderer only serving 16 years in prison. We discussed what punishment would be "enough" for murder, which stems from our U.S. cultural understanding of what prisons are for, namely, punishment. However, I believe there is something inherently wrong with viewing the prison system as a way in which the victims are supposed to feel the punishment of others as a balm for their own hurt. This is not a Christian understanding of reconciliation and forgiveness, this is a cultural understanding of feeling better by putting the other down. If we claim that we should receive healing from the hurt of another who caused us pain, this is, in a sense, making an idol of someone else's suffering whereby we seek comfort and healing from something other than God.

We are also called to forgive. We state in the Lord's Prayer, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." This is a bold statement which we should consider closely when we pray. We are asking God to forgive us as we forgive others (which is a scary thought). I am not saying, however, that this is an easy process. Forgiveness is a struggle, especially forgiving someone who has taken the life of someone you love. This is not to say, however, that we are not called to do it. We are called to do difficult things as Christians, and forgiving is one of them.

I think there is much to learn from the Icelandic prison system. I think it would be good in the U.S. to have the prisoner pay for therapy for the victims as part of the sentence so that the focus of healing is not entirely on the punishment of the prisoner. Also, it is hard to say how much time is necessary for rehabilitation of a prisoner, which was pointed out by the pastor of prison ministry. It might only take a murder one year in prison to understand how horrible the actions were that they committed. It might take longer than 16 years as well.

God, I ask for the healing of those who have been hurt by criminal actions. Help them to seek and obtain reconciliation, forgiveness, and wholeness. I also ask that those who have committed crimes to learn from their mistakes and to also forgiveness for their actions. Help us to not seek fulfillment through the suffering of others but to realize that fulfillment and healing are gifts from you. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

18 January 2012

Leif Erikson (the Inland Version)

     I did not notice on our flight in, but Iceland's main international terminal at Keflavik airport is named after the great viking explorer, Leif Erikson, who happened upon American shores hundreds of years before the any other European.  It is an interesting name for a terminal as I know of no other terminals named after vikings (they kind of had a bad reputation in most parts of Europe).  The name is also interesting because I feel like it compels the air traveler to head west, not east.  Though Leif Erikson himself only made it to the eastern shores of Canada, settled there for a few turbulent years and decided to return to the peacefully harsh climates of Iceland and Greenland, his name has made it further inland.  In fact, the street on which I grew up was named 'Leif Erikson Drive'.  For me, at least, traveling from Iceland to Iowa is to follow in the footsteps of Leif Erikson himself as he seems to forever mark my way home.
      Unfortunately, I think the only sagas to be written about our journey will be the few short blog posts that we have published to this internet archive over the past weeks.  There will be no stories of how we cracked heads with axes, stole Irish women and slaves, or traversed the icy seas in open vessels.  I doubt our travels will ever inspire such glorious modern works like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit which were inspired by the poetry passed down from the history of the Icelanders.  There is unlikely to be anyone looking to the group led by Gunnar the Strong on tours through the churches in Iceland for inspiration the same way that J.R.R. Tolkien looked to Snorri Sturluson in writing his great works.  We encountered no gollums, trolls, hidden people or elves in our adventures (though some in our group would argue that we met giants).  Our travels were not epic in these ways.
     Yet, I must reiterate that I feel carried back to Iowa by the legacy of Leif Erikson.  There were elements, many elements, of our studies and travels that will stand out in our own lives as epic.  Though they may not make the history books the same as other epic sagas, they nevertheless are a noticeable part of history, even if only our own.  We are changed.  We have met others across the sea with whom we have laughed, prayed, lived, dined, shared and loved.  Our conversations and experiences were epic and they will be recorded as sagas in our hearts and minds for years to come.  Though I have no plans to settle in Nova Scotia anytime soon, the epic journeys of the vikings are what I must compare our experience to as we have returned to Iowa.  We left our axes at home but our hearts went willingly into the great wide open and the stories of our lives are all the better for it. 

Drottin, thank you for the brave ancestral souls who have spanned worlds and crossed oceans, setting examples that we continue to follow today.  There is much that we do not know of our lives and of ourselves, but we are able to see ourselves more clearly when we share with others.  Thank you for the opportunity to do so in Iceland and thank you for the opportunity to do so once again in Iowa.  You are a generous God and there is no end to the love that you have shared through others in this world.  I thank you for this.  I also give thanks that our travels were safe and pray that our future journeys may be as blessed as our trip to Iceland.

16 January 2012

Near and Far - We Are United in Christ

In many ways our time in Iceland was much too short. As we pulled away from the bus station headed to the airport my heart was full of mixed emotions. On one hand I was excited to see my family and share my experiences. However, I also began to grieve the loss of my new friendships, especially Gunnar and his family. Throughout my two weeks stay I was treated like a member of their family. They made me feel at home, they fed me, and always made sure I was comfortable. I pray that I can return the favor someday and I am confident that the relationships that have been created during this wonderful trip will be relationships that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
   
A few days ago I wrote about the darkness the Icelander’s endure during the winter season. I also mentioned that the darkness had affected me. It was hard to sleep and at times it was difficult to comprehend the difference between morning/evening/nighttime hours. And just as my body seemed to be acclimating to the darkness, it was time to leave and journey west to a lower longitude with more sunshine.

The last church we visited in Iceland, Lindakirkja, was the pinnacle of the entire visit for me personally. The visit began with a presentation from Toshiki Toma, a Japanese man who married an Icelandic woman, moved to Iceland 20 years ago, and is now serving the national church by providing support to immigrants moving/transitioning into the country. Also, the visit included a tour of the new church which was still under construction in many areas. Immigration and mission development are two areas where I feel my heart being pulled toward as I journey through seminary. It was wonderful to learn/see how the church is creatively overcoming the struggles of the economic downturn, while at the same time becoming the fastest growing church is the country.  

As I reflect on the darkness, the Icelandic culture, my hosts, the people of Iceland whom I have met, and the wonderful things that I have experienced here, I am drawn into the humble picture below. The picture is from Lindakirkja’s new sanctuary, which is still under construction, yet is finished enough to conduct events/services from time to time. The church did not have the resources to purchase chairs or pews as planned and asked the community for extras that the church could use until the resources were available to purchase new seating. The community responded. We were told that many people and businesses donated chairs and now the sanctuary is a collage of different colored, sized, and shaped seating. This image continues to move me deeply. To me, the picture represents not only the community of Iceland supporting the church, but also how the body of Christ throughout creation including Icelander's, seminary students, and professors from faraway lands, are all united in Christ regardless of color, shape, or size. What a perfect end to an amazing journey!

Lord God, in you all things hold together. Thank you for the opportunity to learn from our brothers and sisters in Iceland and thank you for returning us home safely. May this experience remind us now, as well as far into the future, that we are called to love you and our neighbors regardless of geographic location, race, color, or nationality. Remind us always that we are united in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen 
  

Back Home

The end of the trip came upon me as quite a surprise. It seemed as though we were getting on the fly bus and heading towards the airport before I really had a chance to say goodbye. I have a feeling that this trip will have lasting effects on my life as a pastor. We had a chance to see many different faces of the Lutheran Church in Iceland, and how they are dealing with the same adversities that we face here in the States.

Coming home is bittersweet...I missed my family very much while I was away, but the hospitality that was shown to me by my host family made it difficult to leave. I will be forever grateful for that generosity, and hope that one day I might be able to repay the favor.

This post is much shorter than the others, as I need a little time and distance to process all that took place during my time there, and I'm sure that there will be times in the future when something will remind me of my time in Iceland.

More to come soon...


Lord,

Thank you so very much for the many blessings that you have shown to my family.
Thank you for a safe return to my home.
Please continue to be with myself and the others as we process our time in Iceland.
Please help me to use these experiences to grow in faith.
Thank you for putting others in my path to challenge my thinking about your will in the world.
Please continue to bless and comfort the host families, and be with them as their lives return to normal.
Thank you for keeping my family safe and healthy during my absence from them.
Thank you for the opportunity to see your work in the world.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

13 January 2012

We Are Being Spoiled Here!

I tell you, this is the way to experience a country for the first time. We have been given so many wonderful opportunities and have been blessed to meet with so many inspirational individuals. I continue to be impressed with the way deep identity of the Icelandic people and how it influences everyday life and one's involvement with others.

The past few days we have met with pastors and deans, active lay ministers and workers in companies who truly care, a CEO who is also a hostess of ours, even the President of Iceland. In each place we are invited to experience the love of God in different ways.

As we drove up the president's drive - 45 minutes early - we were greeted by a friendly german shepherd as the first lady waved to us and hiked off in her fur boots for a photo shoot. She was darling and hilarious. She greeted us inside later and is definitely not one you quickly forget. We enjoyed a cup of tea with the president, and he graciously gave us nearly an hour and a half of his time. He showed us his copy of the original Icelandic Bible, printed in the 1500's. Julius the security guy had told us there were only 500 printed, and only 30 remain today. Icelandic is thought to be the 13th language the Bible was translated to.

We have also enjoyed countless visits with local pastors. We concluded a visit with Siggy with prayer around the altar and prayed the Lord's prayer together in several different languages. I love it when the people of the world gather together to praise our one God. Absolutely beautiful. Another visit and meal at Hallgrimskirkja the pastors shared passages that have had great impact on them, and lessons they've learned that they wished they'd known upon completing seminary and being ordained. One of these men is one of the most dear I've ever met, and oozed humility and kindness.

Another pastor introduced us to the marvelously tasty Icelandic crepes - which we were able to choose the fillings for, meats and veggies and cheeses and oh-my-tasty-goodness. He spoke with us about prison ministry, which spurred countless discussions that have continued since. He informed us there are only ~180 prisoners in Iceland (out of ~320,000 population). As of a few years ago, they started a waiting list. Currently there are about 360 persons awaiting the opportunity to complete their prison sentence. Bizarre.

One of the things we are hearing repeatedly is the impact of the financial crisis in 2007/2008. For instance, before the crash the unemployment rate was 0%. Now it is 7-8% nationally, and up to 12% in the area we visited yesterday. It has had a profound impact on nearly the entire population, and placed strain on the support structure that had been in place. People continue to find new ways to make things work, however. There are also some positive effects, such as the reality that kids are doing better now as parents are unable to do other things and are spending more time with their children. The church is certainly among those who feel pressure from the economic downturn. It seems the government does its bit to make it more difficult as well, such as withholding a substantial percentage of the taxes that each family contributes to the church. While this cut in funds has complicated things, it has also bred some creative and innovative ways to reach out to the community and encourage volunteer action on behalf of one's neighbor.

We are nearing the end of our stay here in Iceland. I will be sad to say goodbye, but there is certainly no way to be disappointed or let down in our time spent here. It has truly been a profound experience.

Good and gracious God, thank you for your creation. Thank you for delightful people, for gracious (and hilarious) hosts, for encouraging us to work together in love, and for uniting all people. You continue to amaze me. Great job on the Blue Lagoon, by the way. I pray for renewal, strength and peace for all the pastors and daily ministers we have met and the vocations you have called them to. Thank you for inspiring us and for being active in our daily lives. You are awesome and I love you. Amen

12 January 2012

Journey to the Center of Iceland

    Our group has been very active over the past couple of days.  Yesterday we met with Thora, Gunnar's wife, who is the CEO of the company Ás Styrktarfélag.  Her company is devoted to helping differently abled persons in Iceland to find meaningful employment, living situations, and communities.  I was most impressed by her work there.  Not only have they been ranked as on of the best entrepreneurial companies in Iceland, they have one of the largest employee bases in the country.  Furthermore, their work is focused on helping those in need in ways that are responsive and beneficial to the needs that they have.   From the headquarters of the company, we went to two of the sites and were given a tour around the facilities.  In addition to the workers present at the site, we were met by the Iceland's Pastor for the Disabled.  She is committed to her work and obviously finds great nourishment in her ministry to those deemed to have handicaps in life.  The love that God has cultivated in her heart for those to whom she ministers is truly remarkable and miraculous.
     Towards the evening we journeyed to toward the center of this country's government. In other words, we met with the President of Iceland.  We were all pretty excited at the opportunity as none of us have previously met with a head of state.  The President, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, cordially greeted us without any security present and took about an hour and a half of his time to meet with our humble group of seminarians.  He is a kind man and went to great lengths to tell us of a woman who is mentioned in the Icelandic sagas who was the first to not only come to America with Leif Erikson but also to attempt to bring Christianity to those native to the continent.  After finding what is now known as North America, she made a round trip back to Iceland and then again to the American continent with missionaries on board to witness to native American peoples roughly 500 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.  This is a pretty cool history that for which I am grateful that the President shared.  He also shared about the unique history of language, geology and Christianity that exist in Iceland.  It was a fascinating experience for which I am grateful and will remember fondly in the future. 
    From there we went north of Reykjavik and met with the Pastor of Prisoners in Iceland.  He made us wonderful pankakke (crepe) dinners complete with chicken, ham, pepperoni, peppers, onions, cheese and mushrooms folded up like an omlet.  They were fantastic!  Then he shared about his ministry to those in prisons in Iceland which max out at 185 total in the five prisons that the country has.  This averages out to around 40 prisoners per 100,000 people whereas in the U.S. we average 2,000 prisoners per 100,000 persons.  I like their statistics better.

    Today we went to Keflavik and a nearby town where we met with rural pastors.  There is some very neat ministries going on in those areas complete with some difficult challenges as well.  It was interesting to make comparisons between the rural settings in America and those in Iceland.  We left there and drove along the coast to the place where the North American and Eurasian continential shelfs meet and then on to the Blue Lagoon.  The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal paradise which is basically a giant, natural hot tub.  Formed on accident by the nearby town's efforts to expand their geothermal capabilities, the water is heated by the volcanic activity beneath the surface keeping the outdoor water quite warm in even temperatures below freezing like those in today's chilly, blustery weather.
     Afterwards we were able to journey to the center of Iceland- the family. The title for this post obviously is derived from Jules Verne's classic novel A Journey to the Center of the Earth, in which those in the story descend to the center of the earth through the Icelandic volcano, Snæfellsjökull. Having known about this element of the story before I came to Iceland, I feel that I have subconsciously been searching for what I would deem to be the center of this country.  Though we did not travel to volcanoes here, we have discussed them at length.  Unlike Jules Verne, I do not believe that Iceland is centered in any volcano.  Nor do I think the country finds its center in its glaciers or wonderful geological phenomena.  Nor, with hopes of not offending the President for his graciousness in inviting us to visit, do I think Iceland is centered by its government or presidency.  Rather, I have experienced on this visit that the most central element of Iceland is family. 
     Upon returning to the Reykjavik area, we dined with with the hosts that Jeff Bergeron and myself have been staying with for the past two weeks, Guðni Már Harðarson, Ásdís Björnsdóttir and their two children.  They prepared a wonderful meal for us during which we shared about our families, our travels and ourselves.  It was an amazing time of fellowship in which we shared many stories, filling our time with one anothers' presence.  Though I have genuinely enjoyed staying with this wonderful family throughout my stay, our time tonight gave me perspective as to what is really central and important for Iceland- family.  This has been seen over the past few years in Iceland as the material world here has fallen apart, affording working adults more time and space to be present with their families.  Children are reported to be happier now, amidst ongoing financial crisis, than they were when the country was at the top of the financial world.  Family has blessed the children and, in doing so, has revealed that when all else falls away or the earth literally blows up as Eyjafjallajökull did in 2010 the family remains strong and is the best support that one may find.  Those who live here have endured many hardships through the centuries but have survived and even thrived because they are rooted in their connection to one another.
     I feel that my time here, even as it winds down, has been even better than it would have been because I have experienced the center of Iceland.  Though I am glad to return to my own family in America, I feel that I have been welcomed here as such in my brief stay.  I am grateful for this and will return home knowing that I have not only been to Iceland, I have travelled to its center.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the opportunities of meeting with the president and pastors in Iceland.  They have taught me a lot and prepared me more than I yet know for my ministry in your church.  Bless everyone here, especially our hosts, for they have extended gracious and wonderful welcome for us in our travels to Iceland.  May they continue in love for one another and love for you.  Be with the poor in this country, especially the unemployed, enriching their lives through your grace.  In your holy and precious name we pray, Amen.

Unbelievable!

As look back on this week in Iceland, my mind is time and time again blown away by what takes place. There have been so many things this week that have happened that truly are impossible to express how meaningful they were. The blessings bestowed upon myself and my fellow travelers will not soon be forgotten.

The beginning of this week for me started Sunday when I visited Lindakirkja. This is the church that my host is pastor of. The service was unbelievable. The power of the Spirit filled the chapel, and surprised me through the amazing voices of a Gospel choir, that aside from the Icelandic words, sounded as if they were from Atlanta! It was a joyous event, and so inspiring that I began to sing and clap, despite being completely unfamiliar with the language.

This week we visited the seminary within the university campus in Reykjavik. We were given the opportunity to connect with students who are in very similar states of mind, while being very different at the same time. We compared experience, and I even got to chat with a fellow senior. We shared anxieties of the coming future, as well as thoughts of school experience, and even a little liturgical evaluation. The universal notion of the body of Christ present in the forms of coffee and pleasant conversation.

Today we were given the chance to experience the geography of Iceland. We went to the meeting point of the European and North American continental plates. I stood on two continents at the same time! The beauty of God's creation, and mighty forces that shaped the landscape around this area were all present and in mind within this moment. The wonders of Iceland's unique land was further explored in the waters of The Blue Lagoon. This is a naturally heated, large, mineral rich lagoon, that is in fact blue (I was actually surprised). The mineral rich water is said to be extremely soothing and healthy for one's skin, so we were eager to get in. It was an amazing look into a mixture of natural beauty and man made ingenuity. The complete wonder that was this place was warming.

A once in a life time opportunity happened for us this week as well. Our small band of seminarians and professor were invite to meet with the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. Not only did we meet him, but he sat with us over tea, coffee, and cake, for an hour and twenty minutes about our trip. He was very interested in our thoughts and reflections. He spoke to us of the history of Iceland and gave us some great insights into the country. The president also showed us a copy of an original transcription of the Bible into Icelandic (one of only 30 known copies). Speaking with a head-of-state like this was a first for me, and the fact that we talked about many interesting topics including our experiences was amazing.

But, through it all, the various trips and adventures, the most unbelievably amazing thing about this trip has been the people. The local pastors who have opened their homes to us, fed us, laughed with us, driven us, educated us, and been eager to be with us has been a blessing of massive importance. I have felt the true nature of Christian hospitality in the hearts and minds of these people. They have been so amazing and they truly are the aspects of this trip that will make in unbelievable, and unforgettable.

Gracious Lord, I humbly offer my thanks to you for allowing your children to experience the warmth and light of each other, as well as the light you shine upon us as individuals and as a united community of faith. Words cannot express the joys I wish sing to you for the wonders of your creation. I continue to be in awe of your might, and ask for the continued blessings upon all the peoples of your creation. These and all prayers I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

10 January 2012

We the People (and the Church)

     Long have I hoped for the church in our country to actively speak to the ebbs and tides of social life and concerns in the United States in ways that are effective and public.  Though we do a pretty good job of being active in the ELCA, there can be little doubt that in the U.S. the freedom of religion clause in our constitutional law has been understood as meaning 'prohibition of religion' from public spaces.  I was struck by the truth of this last year when then Interim President of Wartburg Seminary, Dr. David Tiede, pointed out that people in America are more offended when you say 'God bless you' than 'God damn you'.  This contrast, which I agree to be true, illuminates the reality in our country that religion has been so relegated to private space that publicly pronouncing the blessing of God on others is offensive.  Such blessings confront the secularization of our public space to an extent that causes outrage.  Sad, but true.
    Iceland is different.  Shortly after Iceland's conversion to Christianity bishops here rose to levels of public leadership that were comparable with the kings of the day as well as later presidents to follow.  For the last hundred years, in exhange for use of the land that church leaders previously relied on for sustenance, pastors' salaries have been paid for out of taxes of localized municipalities and, most recently, from the national tax system administered by the Icelandic government.  Pastors are, essentially, under the employ of the government while the Bishop of Iceland continues to be a major political figure in the country.  Very different from in the religious systems in America.
    The distinction has some key implications for the church in Iceland.  Interestingly, since the church is supported by national taxes, there is little to no practice of taking an offering during worship.  People are forced (though seemingly not unwillingly as there has been little resistance to the practice) to pay for needs of the church through taxes payed to the government which is then returned to the churches.  I think that if I were a pastor here I would miss the generosity that the offering plate allows for and fosters.  Yet, a practice which I think is more beneficial for the church that is made possible by Iceland's nationalized system is the determination of parish membership based on where a person lives rather than by where one chooses to attend.  This makes for a very different understanding of the community of the church.  Here, the community of the church coincides with the communities in which one lives more intentionally and conspicuously than our system in the states.  Their neighbors on their streets are their neighbors in church.  Their system resembles voting districts in the U.S. more than membership lists determined by who has attended church and communed this year.
       I think there is valuable theological reflection that can come from thinking about the church as community in which one lives rather than having church defined by one's participation. Indeed, I have a suspicion that we have not adequately moved our Lutheran confessional theology into a church world constituted by participation over and against locality.  When one's membership is constituted, at least in part, by one's participation in the church, it is difficult to get away from the temptation to think of oneself or others as prototypical members for participating more than others.  Though I doubt this temptation is absent from churches in Iceland, there seems to be a clear understanding by those with whom we have met that those who live in one's parish are members regardless of whether they have ever attended there or not.  Pastors here respect the difference of those who choose to not participate in the religious life of the church while simultaneously welcoming all who come to them for help, even if only once, whether they have ever been to church or not.  The overlap of community and church here is a beautiful thing that I hope does not go away any time soon.

Drottin, help us to see the church where we live.  Bless those around us that they may be the community to whom we unshamefully proclaim the good news and with whom we confidently live in the gospel.  Be with the church in Iceland that they may continue to thrive in public life in the land where they abide.  Be with the church in the U.S. that we may continually live out our calls to faith in all aspects of our lives and not simply on Sunday mornings, however we may be tempted to do so. Amen.

University of Iceland

We visited the University of Iceland yesterday and had the opportunity to visit with some professors and students in the Theology division of the school. In order to attend university, you must have first finished college (somewhat like our high school but ranging from 16 years of age until 20). The cost for university is taken out of your pay as a tax, so there is no additional cost to attend except purchasing books and materials. One can attend University whenever they like which, in my perspective, has wonderful potential for encouraging continuing education throughout the life-cycle (because you are already paying for it, why not attend?) Also, there is not such a commitment, as there is in the United States, where most students must take out loans to go to school which will be paid for the next 20 years after graduation. This really is not an encouragement to attend classes at an older age for the enjoyment of learning.

The program to achieve the equivalent of an M. Div. is, at the shortest, a five year process. This includes a bachelor's degree in Theology. In Iceland, it is required to write a thesis for both the Master's degree and the Bachelor's degree in order to receive the designated degree. Therefore, there are some people who have taken all the classes but have chosen not to write the paper. There are many who start the program to become a pastor here in Iceland and there are many who dropout of the program as well. I believe we do not have this phenomenon in the United States to such an extent because the schooling is so expensive that we must be dedicated to attend seminary at the outset and to persevere throughout because of the expense. The price of attending is an initial weeding out whereas in Iceland, the preliminary classes do the same.

What I gather from those trying the program and deciding not to continue is the ability in Iceland to explore possibilities and fulfill curiosities. In the United States, one can count how much each class is costing and it matters how long it takes to complete a degree because you will be paying much more for the extra time you take. In Iceland, you are paying whether you attend or not, which (from my perspective) opens the door for a higher focus upon learning what interests you rather than graduating with a degree. Also, this system seems to open up and encourage learning rather than trying to graduate to get a degree to get a job to earn money, etc.

We met a man at Dr. Persaud's lecture who was a retired pastor who had decided to go back to University to learn. This showed to me that learning is something that can be fulfilled here without so much hanging in the balance.

God, thank you for allowing your creation to be curious and enjoy learning. Please allow us to use this ability to learn to love you and to fear you more and more. Thank you for this learning experience in Iceland. Shape us into that which we are meant to be. Amen.

08 January 2012

Reflections from Skálholt...and a little bit after

These past three days have had a deep impact on my impressions of Iceland and its people. As I am learning, tradition plays a large role in the lives of the people that we have met here, and I hope to illustrate this in the following examples.

Skálholt
Our time here was spent in lecture, enjoying fellowship, attending church, as well as some time for reflection. This retreat was attended by pastors from Iceland, and, after dinner, these pastors gathered together for some fellowship time. After some time discussing the day, some members of our group of students began singing. This was followed by the Icelandic pastors joining together in songs of their own...many songs, to be exact. They began singing folk songs, some church songs, and they did it spontaneously...one person would start singing the first line of the song, and then everyone would join in, and I mean everyone. They even sang in harmony, and they did this without the aid of a director. This was amazing! And the thing that impressed me the most is that everyone knew the songs, and they sang them for an hour. When I asked some of the pastors how they learned the songs, they told me that they learned them early on, and it was a part of who they were.

Bonfire
After we returned from Skálholt, we attended a bonfire to celebrate the last day of Christmas. There was a firework display, as well as some singing and dancing. But, I began to realize how those pastors knew the songs so well as we were watching the scene at the bonfire open up before us. Picture this scene: There is an audience standing out in the cold and rain...there are two fires burning brightly...children are running around with sparklers, and there are fireworks going off all over the place. Then, as you look to the stage, you see and hear the master of ceremonies (a title given very loosely here) signing songs, and right in front of the stage is a very large group of parents with their young children. It was at this moment when I realized how early they teach their children these songs, and I started to wonder if this is something that we do in the states...and I couldn't come up with anything like it. All of the people knew these songs, both the children and their parents...I can't think of too many songs that, in a room in the states, you could start singing the first phrase of the song, and everyone would be able to join in and get all of the words correct...even my choir students struggled with this, and they had the words in frong of them! This is mind-boggling to me.

Storytelling
One thing I appreciate the most on this journey is our host family. They relish telling us stories, both about current events, as well as traditions about Iceland, and they listen intently as we tell them our stories. So much of our time spent with them is spent in conversation and fellowship, and this is something that will have a lasting impression on me after I leave.

Death
On Friday this week, we attended a funeral, and then spent time at a funeral home. This experience was eye-opening, as we learned about Icelandic traditions surrounding death and dying, as well as expectations and traditions surrounding the visitation (called laying in the coffin), and the funeral itself. There is much that can be learned about people when you see how they deal with issues surrounding death.

Each of these instances has been instrumental in formulating my ideas about the people that we have been meeting here, and I am looking forward to the rest of the trip.

Lord,
Thank you so much for opening my eyes to see your creation in new ways. Thank you for giving me the gift of fellowship on this trip, both with the others in my group and with my host family.
Please continue to comfort everyone who is back in the United States who are anxiously awaiting my return.
Please continue to open my eyes to new experiences here.
I pray all of these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Perhaps I fit in too well

     So far, when I have traveled alone in Reykjavik, I am presumed to be an Icelander.  I am addressed in Icelandic to which I awkwardly respond in English that I do not understand and to which, in turn, those speaking to me remark that they are shocked at how much I look like an Icelander.  I guess my Teutonic blood runs deep. 
     I am no stranger to this in my travels.  The same presumptions of my beloning to foreign lands followed me to Sweden, Germany and even South Africa.  In all of these countries I have been presumed to be a local and encountered suprise on the discovery of my American birth.  My Swedish host father remarked that I looked more Swedish than his son, Deutschlanders were prone to speak to me in German, and I was often called 'Baas' (the term that native people were required to call their white Afrikaaner oppressors under the Apartheid regime) in Namibia.  In all these countries I have had to look for ways to kindly tell those addressing me in foreign tongues that I only know English and shamefully let on that if we are to communicate it must be on my terms, not in the language of the people that are hosting me.  It would be better in these cases to stand out a little more than I do.
    I have experienced the same in Iceland.  I could not respond to store clerks trying to assist me in the local mall, nor the waiters at the restaurants in which I have dined, nor even those trying to strike up conversation with me while out on the town at night.  I have to rely on my presumption that those addressing me know my language far better than I know theirs. 
    Yet, unlike those other countries in which I have previously experienced this problem, Icelanders seem to expect to speak English or other foreign languages more than in most countries.  They are able to quickly switch over to engage my Anglo idioms with an effortlessness that I have not seen in other lands.  This probably has something to do with the fact that Iceland is dependent on foreigners in many more ways than most nations.  They are a small country with vast supplies of some resources such as fish or volcanic ash, but must rely heavily on imports for many elements of their daily lives.  Though in a globalized world we all do this, Iceland does not have the same choice to import or produce as, for instance, we in America do.  Thus, Icelanders must be able to communicate with others from outside the country if they wish to thrive as their own language and place is limited in what it can offer in material goods.
    It is a welcome change to be in a land that knows it must work with others to survive.  We are often blinded in the United States to seeing ourselves as independent and able to thrive without learning other languages or working well with others.  It is impressive to be in a country that lives out its connection to other people in a very intentional way on a daily basis.  I hope to learn even more about what it is to live life with a similar intentionality towards others.

Blessed Triune God, look kindly upon the people of Iceland as they seek to continually look kindly upon others in the world.  Help us all to see the shining examples of co-operation, peace, and goodwill that Iceland exhibits.  May we learn from their strengths as we pray that they may be comforted in these times of economic woe.

A Selfish Desire for the Sun


The sky is dark and the clouds cannot decide to drop rain or snow from the heavens above. We are now eight days into 2012 however the surrounding houses and buildings remain decorated with Christmas lights of multiple colors and shapes. Occasionally I see the headlights of a car winding its way along the otherwise abandoned two lane paved road below. As I sit back and enjoy the best coffee that I have ever tasted I wonder for a moment what time it is? Really… you may ask. I know this may sound strange but I am curious… is it morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, evening, or the middle of the night?

Through the mixed precipitation that randomly falls from the sky I see a bright flash of green and red. I hear the loud bang echo through the neighborhood and the confused and possibly over caffeinated synapses within my brain begin to fire rapidly trying to generate a solution to the data that my eyes and ears are capturing. All within a fraction of a second, my brain concludes that the flash is one of the numerous fireworks that Icelanders have been launching from their homes and driveways since we arrived 7 days ago. Similar to how the sun hanging high in the sky back at Wartburg tells me that it is the middle of the day, the flash of fireworks and the smell of gunpowder relaxes me in a peculiar way and confirms the darkness I am viewing is evening darkness. There are no fireworks in the morning.

This time of year Icelander’s endure long hours of darkness. The sun tries its best to break through the clouds from late morning to late afternoon. However, in our time here so far the clouds and darkness have prevailed and the sun silently retreats behind the southern horizon much too early in the day, almost as if it is stuck or doesn’t have the energy to assume a higher trajectory.

I have always loved the sunshine. The 300+ days of sunshine per year in Colorado continues to be one of the things that I miss the most while at seminary, in addition to the mountains of which I mentioned in a previous post. Sunlight helps me get out of bed in the morning. Sunshine energizes me. Sunshine motivates me. Sunshine pulls me outside into nature and keeps me warm. Today I selfishly miss the sunshine.

Recently during one early morning the same over caffeinated and sunlight starved synapses within my head were pondering the thought of darkness. Why has the darkness in this place affected me so? Why can’t I sleep for more than a couple hours at a time? Will I get used to it? What is darkness? As my thoughts rambled, my fingers clicked on my netbook where I found the following poem about darkness written by Lord Byron in the 18th century:

The bright sun was extinguish'd, and the stars
Did wander darkling in the eternal space,
Rayless, and pathless, and the icy earth
Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air;
Morn came and went--and came, and brought no day

This is interesting indeed. And even more interesting are the people of Iceland and how they endure the darkness. How do they persevere? What can I learn from them and this experience to help me endure the darkness both here and during future challenges in life?

I will continue to deeply think about this mystery and plan to follow up with another post about darkness in a few days. Meanwhile, I think I will begin my reflection by immersing myself in the first chapter of John’s gospel. Until next time…enjoy the sunlight wherever you are:) 

Light of the world, you are the light that shines in the darkness. Help us find you in every corner of creation, especially in the dark places where we yearn for light and direction. Thank you for our gracious hosts, may you continue to bless them and shine your light on them so that they may reflect your love around the world. Remain close with our loved ones and bring them peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen



07 January 2012

Faith Fostered in Fellowship

What an amazing blessing to have been given this opportunity to engage in fellowship and experience the culture and faith of Iceland. I continue to marvel at how warmly we are welcomed, and the rich hospitality that is a part of the culture here. It did not take more than a few hours to feel at home in this country, and the genuine hospitality we are shown each day makes my heart warm even when the cold wet outside begins to sink a chill in my bones.

Gunnar speaks of his parish, as I believe some have noted below, as the entire community in which the church resides - and not just the small 50 or so who gather on Sunday mornings for worship. Attending worship together is not a strong part of the culture. However, it is not difficult to see the love of God lived out in the daily lives of those whom we meet. Ministry is so strong and vibrant in a variety of ways, whether it is at the Salvation Army day shelter or Gunnar visiting a local bikers club and being asked about doing a blessing for the members.

The sense of care for one another and recognition of the bond among all humanity is stronger here than anywhere else I have traveled. The deep, rich history and connection with the sagas provides a framework for experience that pervades everyday life and greatly impacts the experience of the people. And how cool to live among that? Pastor Gunnar (a different one) was telling us about the stories surrounding what was thought to be a made-up tomb, until they unearthed it when they dug out the foundation for a new church at Skalholdt. How fascinating and wonderful to have a legend you've been hearing about be proven true randomly one day.

Icelandic identity is rich and strong. It comes forth as we sit and listen to the vibrant singing of melody after melody, an endless repertoire of songs that each Icelander knows - ours having been exhausted after a few short minutes. A part of me mourned this lack of shared experience in our own culture back home, while another part of me recalled signing old camp songs on a mission trip while painting houses, and the camaraderie and joy and that it produced. It is a beautiful thing when people can join together in spontaneous song. There are benefits to being a small, united group of people.

Iceland has only ~320,000 people. Reykjavik, the capital city, holds nearly 40% of the population. Thus, when we mentioned seeing a massive strongman wearing a t-shirt walk up beside us to grab a hotdog at the vendor/'best restaurant in all of Iceland' - Gunnar and Thorgrimer knew exactly who we were talking about. And the boys who were throwing stones in church windows until Gunnar's motorcyle buds scared 'em off - his daughter Ana knew them, too. Not only this, but everyone knows their lineage back a thousand years - despite taking the father's last name rather than a family name. Maybe we have a lot of Smiths and Johnsons back home, but Iceland has us beat on Thorssons and Gunnarsons and Jónsdóttirs.

Gracious God, thank you for this opportunity to engage in fellowship here in Iceland. Thank you for the rich heritage and sense of identity in this place, and for encouraging me to reflect upon my own history and connectedness with others, and marvel at the beauty you have bestowed upon your beloved humanity. Thank you for the unity of humankind that is a reality in You. Absolutely beautiful, Lord.

06 January 2012

The Comic/Tragic Distinction

     Ever since I first encountered Soren Kierkegaard in my undergraduate studies I have grown to recognize and appreciate the comic/tragic distinction in the world.  In Iceland I feel that I am not alone in this appreciation. For instance, in the middle of singing songs at Skalholt, the pastors made sure to let us know that they are a melancholy people here.  Yet, in the midst of this dark and cold winter, the Icelanders we have encountered have no problem cracking jokes and telling stories. Their spirits are bright when nothing else seems to be. Perhaps it is merely the sky which is melancholy.
     We experienced much joy ourselves as we partied down with the children of Reykjavik at the Thrattandin which is a celebration for the last day of the thirteen days of Christmas.  Instead of one happy Santa, Iceland thinks it better to have thirteen bad Santas (not including Billy Bob Thorton).  Today is the last day of the Christmas celebration with the last Santa who has to walk the farthest so he arrives last. It was a fun time complete with fireworks, fire and plenty of children in snowsuits.   Though the presentation was geared a bit below our age level, I had a wonderful time and am glad that we were present. 
     The last day of Christmas in the past has marked the beginning of the Thorablud in Iceland's past.  Thorablud is a time in the winter months when Icelanders were unable to hunt, fish or gather fresh food so they had to rely on rotted meats, less than favorable delicacies and basically whatever else they could find to survive.  Tonight we had a meal complete with several of the dishes that would be enjoyed (or endured depending on one's perspective) during this historical time period.  Genereously featured were blood and liver sausage, head cheese, ram's head, dried halibut, smoked salmon, and, most revered, shark meat.  The shark meat stands out probably because it both smells the worst and is the most unique.  The shark meat at the time of capture is unedible and must be placed in the ground for several months before it is able to be enjoyed (or, once again, endured).  It is a meat unlike any other and, though I am glad that I tried the shark meat tonight, I think I will be slow to partake again in the future. 
     Nevertheless, I feel that I must applaud the Icelandic spirit that shows itself continually able to perservere.  Thorablud was an annual time for which Icelanders prepared every year, the sun annually makes itself scarce, and, still today, natural disasters rock this little island in a way that is hard to comprehend.  On our way back from Skalholt yesterday we had dinner with a group of pastors from the southern part of the island.  They ministered to the area in the country most affected by the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010.  They shared about how the area around the village Vik was covered in ash that rained on farms, cattle, cars and people for weeks.  They impressively were able to minister to and for one another as everyone pitched in to help out with the needs of God's people in the wake of the disaster.  Yet, they are preparing for an even bigger eruption that could happen any time now at the volcano Katla.  They say that when it erupts it will be even bigger, accompanied not only by lava and ash, but also flood waters from melting glacier, tsunami from the flood meeting the sea, as well as ever present earthquake activity.  These disasters all are centered in the same area and provide the constant threat under which the inhabitants of Vik lived. And yet, they perservere.  I am not sure if I would be able to endure these pressures or not, but I must say that I am impressed by their ability to do so.  Perhaps the Icelanders are more than just a melancholy people...

Drottin we pray for those who mourn, those who rejoice, and those unable to tell the difference.  May your guiding hand lead them to experience what you have called them to, and strengthen them where necessary.  There are many volcanoes under which we live in this life, both literal and figuritive, and from which we pray that you will spare us.  Be with all those that we love, eveywhere, that love may endure. Amen.
   

The Arts

Iceland has a rich community which engages in the arts. They have an appreciation for artwork, architecture, and music. There is a community aspect which flows between these as well. Within the churches we have visited, there have been some common themes, but on the whole they are very unique. There have been beautiful stained glass pictures in the churches we have visited. There have also been very different styles of altars and crosses. One of these churches had a very unique piece of artwork behind the altar which was a triangle of stone with glass inside which light would flow through. I will try and get a picture of this up. I also have come to appreciate the architecture used to construct these churches we have been to. I love how they have constructed the churches in a manner where sound is exemplified. We attended a funeral today which had around 500 attendees and the pastor did not have to use a microphone to be heard throughout the church (we were sitting in the back and I had no trouble hearing him). This is a great example of stewardship because sound systems are not necessary if the sanctuary is constructed with proper materials.

There have also been artwork in the houses we have visited. I have not really seen the classic United States wall which family photos are placed upon. I have seen more artwork on the walls, some of which are recognized throughout Iceland by most people, than I have seen pictures. Also, the houses I have visited have had quite a few bookshelves filled with books, which supports the love of learning I have picked up on from Icelanders.

We have been blessed to experience how music is an integral part of the Icelandic culture. While staying at Skálholt we had a wonderful dinner which was followed by fellowship. We, the students, introduced ourselves to the pastors attending the lectures and following this, we were asked to play some music for them. Jeff played a song and then we sang another with him. After this, we were all surprised when one pastor began singing and the rest followed. They sang probably fifteen or twenty songs that evening, with varying harmonies, and it was such a wonderful experience for all of us. We were gathered into a rich heritage which allows for songs to be passed down from generation to generation that most people know by heart. I will never forget that wonderful evening.

Along this same vein, we attended a bonfire this evening celebrating the last day of Christmas. At this bonfire, there was a singer and a piano player on a truck bed with a sound system singing songs. The songs were Christmas songs and some that were geared towards the children (children's songs). Many people were singing along with and were encouraged to do so. I love how the music in this place ties the community together in heritage and celebration.

God, thank you for creation and blessing your people with creativity. I thank you for the rich heritage of the Icelandic people which we have been blessed to experience. Please allow us to use the arts to glorify you. Please allow the people to be safe here on the roads as it is raining and icy out. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to learn about community. Amen.

05 January 2012

One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.



The other evening, our group met in Skálholt, as some of my peers have already commented about. I feel that in that ancient and holy place I experienced a deeply moving life moment. Every now and then we as human beings are blessed to take part in something that gives us the smallest glimmer of what it is to be the Church, and not simply the Lutheran Church, but the Church Universal. The world-wide community of believers.It is here where I feel we were given a small look into what we define so often in worship as the feast to come, the glories of heaven that awaits.

Our small group met for worship with a collection of pastors from Iceland who were in attendance at a gathering in Skálholt. I sat towards the front of this magnificent chapel and I could feel the history of so many generations all around me. The service was then conducted, all in Icelandic, and in a liturgy that was as beautiful as it was powerful. I sat in complete and total helplessness, as I could not understand one word that was being spoken around me. But, there was a poetry I could feel, though I could not understand. The tones were familiar and beautiful. The phrasing was familiar to me, and I felt my heart respond in a worshipful manner. Though the details of what was said escaped me, the power of God's word, and the importance and reverence they carry held firm in my soul. Though I could not mentally grasp the words, the words emotionally grasped me.

As I sit here and reflect I am in awe of the wonderful people around me, and the unending surprises God has for me. I have said the words of the Creed "one holy, catholic, and apostolic church" numerous times. I know intellectually what it means, and what it represents in my theology as a concept. I know that each word helps to clearly identify what the church is, or is to be, but in a small chapel in Skálholt was the first time I felt it. We Christians, of all races, countries, languages, and identities find our center in Christ. This was what I felt in a worship that I could not understand, but yet derived a great deal of meaning.

Even after worship this thought continued. We gathered for a bit of fellowship. I was asked to share some music with the group, a task that I felt honored to do. After I offered my music our gracious hosts returned the musical gift with a brighter music of their own. Traditional songs that they all knew by heart were sung with joy (and at times sorrow) that were amazing. The evening was full of joyous singing, and two different cultures coming together in a beautiful harmony of music and laughter. Seeing the presence of God here among us was unbelievable. From feeling the deeper notion of what it is to be church, to the small peace shared between peoples, I felt something wonderful that I will treasure for my lifetime.

Blessed Lord, I give you thanks for allowing this group of your faithful to gather in you and rejoice of all that has been done in you. Blessed be all peoples around the world who are all part of the body, and who find peace and justice in you. Give we who continue our visit the compassion and will to love and learn all we can in these next days, and keep us safe. As with all things, I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


Gathering at the Rail - Skálholt


Shortly after arriving in Skálholt we joined together with several Icelandic church leaders and pastors for worship. We gathered inside a church which has a history dating back over 1000 years. The sanctuary is breathtaking and the acoustics are so good that every voice multiplies in rich magnificent layers of sound, even an average voice like my own. The entire service was spoken in Icelandic. However the liturgy itself seem to transcend the barriers of culture and language and made all us feel at home and comfortable.

My favorite part of worship has always been Holy Communion, especially when kneeling at the rail which we were able to do during this service. My family’s church in Colorado also uses a kneeling rail around the altar during communion. The rail creates a powerful image for me. Not only is the congregation fully participating together in communion, but the chance to witness both young and old come forward and kneel to pray/worship/praise God touches my heart every time. I also treasure watching each person leave the rail after communion. There always seems to be a heightened sense of community and love between every person present. And the more I think about it the more I believe that this sense of community - regardless of which country or continent we are gathered to worship – becomes a real and tangible presence of Christ among us.

Thank you God for the opportunity to worship you in such an awe inspiring beautiful place. Thank you for the opportunity to gather around the rail with our brothers and sisters of Iceland. I pray that you continue to bless the leaders and pastors of your church, that we may continue to do the work you have called us to do. Thank you for my Wartburg brothers and sisters who I am privileged to share this experience with. May all of us together reflect your light throughout creation wherever we are called to serve. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen  

Skalholt in the Darkness


We have landed in Iceland and had a blessed couple of days trying to get caught up on our wakefulness.  So far we have seen the downtown area of Reykjavik, the new Harpin music house, the Icelandic parliament, Reykjavik city hall, one of the local geo-thermal heated swimming areas, and made our way to Skalholt in the center of the country.  Skalholt is the area where the country converted to Christianity from the old forms of Nordic religion in the 11th century.  The Bishop of Iceland was also centered here up until the 19th century as well as the country’s seminary for up and coming pastors like myself.  It is situated in a beautiful valley between mountains and plateaus on all sides, behind which the sun seems to playfully rise and fall in a low-lying manner, barely illuminating this sacred place of Icelandic Christianity and history. 
Yesterday morning I arrived here with the early group of students who traveled with some of the pastors attending the conference and our professor, Dr. Sam Giere.  Fortunately, (or unfortunately as the case may be) we cannot speak Icelandic and were not expected to attend the sessions that the other pastors are present and gathered here for.  As a result, we had time to play cards, explore the beautiful church and take a wonderful walk through the freezing snow and frigid windchill.  I was told that the winters here were warmer than those in America but am so far finding that to be baloney. The closest frame of reference I have for yesterday’s hike through the snow is the January whether of North Dakota, which, by all available accounts, is colder and windier than any place I have ever lived.  I hope that it warms up so I can experience some of the milder weather that I was promised.   
            The church and worship in Skalholt are truly magnificent.  The chapel is the fourth in a thousand years of Christianity in the country, and is a mere two-thirds the size of the original chapel that was built here in the 11th century- an impressive feat for some recently Christianized Vikings without many trees present locally to build such a place of worship.  The trees for the first chapel were apparently brought over on medieval ships from Norway and then drawn by horse a couple hundred kilometers inland where they were then incorporated into the largest Scandinavian structure of its day.  Simply impressive.  Unfortunately, that building eventually burned down and, a few centuries later, they now have a newer building that is smaller but nevertheless wonderful.  Even better, the space inside proves itself to be more than worthy of the magnificent chants and prayers that Icelandic worship is laden with.  Their worship consists of a far more intentional and complete form of prayerful singing that many Lutheran churches in the U.S. seem to have left behind.  I am seeing here now that our changes in worship may have been a bit hasty as there is a beauty which has been left behind.

There is darkness all around us here.  It pervades our time, our sleep, our waking, our moving and our vision (if that is possible).  There is more light than I thought there would be actually, but it is by far more dark than light this time of year in this land of ice.  I have found it particularly difficult to wake up in the lingering darkness.  This comes as somewhat of a surprise to me because I am not very good at waking up when the sun is around and did not think that a lack of sunlight would make any difference.  It turns out that I can be even worse at stirring when the sun is not present to help me along.  My host shares my distaste for darkness in the morning, revealing the other day that he would prefer to follow the daylight savings time practice of most of the United States.  I guess you can live in a place all your life and still not prefer everything about it, even in a country as beautiful as Iceland.
            Yet, I asked another one of our hosts, Gunnar, if he liked the darkness in Iceland and he responded differently.  We were walking at the front of the group through Reykjavik when I posed the question, “Do you like the darkness?” Gunnar paused for a moment, considering my question, and said simply, “Yes, I do”.  Judging that I was looking for a little bit more in his answer, he thankfully continued.  He explained that the external darkness of this northern land forces people to shine an inner light more strongly.  If they are to continue in happiness and well-being through the dark months, they must be bright themselves and not rely on bright light shining in the sky to light their spirits and bring them joy.  He also explained the real joy of the fireworks that are shot off in bulk around this new year time.  He said, “You know, in America you celebrate the fourth of July in the summer time with fireworks to celebrate your country’s founding.  Here, the fireworks mean something different and shine all the more brightly because they are in the middle of our time of complete darkness and they light up the sky like you can’t believe”.  He meant no disrespect, I am fairly sure, to our celebration of the fourth of July.  Rather, he used is as a point of comparison to when we shoot of the most fireworks.  I have to say that I can really see his point.  I imagine that if I lived this far north the fireworks around the time of winter solstice would not only represent a celebration of the nation, they would also embody the persevering light of the soul.  I am grateful that they have ways of coping.

      Dear God, light our way in this foreign land that we may brightly see the work you do among your church and your people.   Be with our family far away as our family is extending here across the sea.  Bless the mission of the church in Iceland that Skalholt will not fade into history for the people of Iceland but will continue  to shine for generations to come .
           

04 January 2012

Zach's First Post =)

Today is the fourth day of our trip. It has been amazing so far. On the flight to Iceland from Boston, Emily and I sat by a diplomat from China who was working in the Chinese embassy in Iceland. He provided a unique perspective on Iceland, including how he enjoys driving here because there is no traffic and how in the summer, many parties start at 2am.

Our host family (Emily and I are together) is wonderful. They have been most gracious and have shown extraordinary hospitality to us. The second night here, our host cooked us the best fish I have ever eaten in my life. We have been able to experience a wide variety of cuisine here, most of which has been absolutely delicious.

Now, in Skalholt, our dear professor Winston Persaud is leading some lectures for a gathering of pastors from Iceland which meet every year for lectures on varying topics. This year, there is a focus upon the mental health of the pastors in Iceland and what affects that has upon the pastor and the parish.

The National Church of Iceland has suffered an interesting ordeal for the past 17 years or so. The Bishop of Iceland was accused of abusing some parishioners which became a scandal in Iceland which included people accusing him, him denying that this happened, and each having to go to court with lawyers and the whole nine yards. This had a very damaging effect upon the perspective of the National Church of Iceland in the eyes of Iceland, which is understandable because the Bishop of Iceland is the head of the National Church here. A few years ago, I am not sure about this date, the daughter of this now deceased bishop said that he sexually abused her. Her family, from what I have heard, denies that this actually occurred, but she wrote a book about this experience which has become a best-seller here in Iceland. Her book has brought this whole ordeal back into the focus of the Icelandic people, which is again causing strife within the church.

The current Bishop is resigning this year so there has been talk about electing the new Bishop and how this could be the change needed to bring the church back into the good graces of the populace.

The process by which this occurs has been changed since the last time a Bishop of Iceland was elected. The last time, it was only the pastors who voted in the bishop. Now, however, the pastors, the presidents of the churches in Iceland, the vice presidents of the churches around Reykjavik, and the deacons (I believe), all come together to vote for the new Bishop (around 500 people). This adds quite a few new aspects to the election. The pastors here in Iceland are a tight knit group who know each other fairly well (I believe there are around 120 of them). Therefore, most are aware of each others strengths and weaknesses and have an understanding of who each pastor "is" (which is debatable considering the scandal of 1996). However, those laity who are now involved in this process do not have this type of understanding of each of the pastors running for Bishop. Therefore, there must be a type of campaign for people to become acquainted with the candidates running for Bishop before votes can be cast for the election.

There is also talk about changing the structure of the church because some think that the position of the "Bishop of Iceland" has too much power. There is talk about trying to become more democratic in how decisions are made, specifically when it comes to funds allocated to churches in different areas of the country. This is a truly interesting time for the National Church of Iceland with a large potential for change which will, God willing, be for the betterment of the Church in Iceland and for the church worldwide.

Dear God, I ask that you guide the process of electing a new Bishop of Iceland. I ask that you guide all those involved to allow this process to be beneficial for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the people of Iceland. Please guide those making decisions concerning the structure of the National Church of Iceland. Thank you for this opportunity to meet with the pastors of Iceland and to hear about their struggles. Guide them in their future pursuits and allow them to continue having Christ at the center of their lives and ministry. I ask all this in Jesus name. Amen.