Thursday, February 22, 2007

I Did It

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and I made a decision. Well, I suppose I made the decision before the service, but it was a decision I made anyway. I decided to go ahead and wear a clerical robe.


Part of my difficulty with wearing a robe is that I am already distanced from the congregation by my calling and by my commitment to itinerate, and I don't believe that a "distant" and "formal" pastor is as effective with the younger generation, especially not in the context where I serve (I've been more effective with them simply being "myself" - helping out with the soccer team, playing pick-up basketball, and visiting). Many others have already made up their mind about a clergy person before they've heard a word, much of that negative (like the conversation I was having with a young couple in the park that abruptly ended when I told them I was the new Methodist pastor) - I don't want to alienate people before they even give me a chance.


In addition to this, I'm not an icon. I don't want to be the focal point whatsoever; I'd rather have people see God than me. Sometimes the clothes can be a barrier and can serve to bring attention to the person, and I don't want to be a part of this.


The other part is that I'm simply uncomfortable in a robe. Partly because they are hot, partly because I'm afraid I'll trip over it, and partly because I feel like a kid on dress-up day in it (beyond the reasons I already gave).


However, those aside, I decided that our special Lenten services are perfect for the robe. They are attended by church members - pretty much the ones who have been in church all their lives. They have certain expectations, as well, and, well, it just seemed right to wear it. Not that it made me comfortable in doing so. But Ash Wednesday service being what it was, I soon pretty much forgot that I was wearing it.

4 comments:

'neice said...

That makes sense. I think our SP wishes he could go without his robe more often. When it is hot during the summer he doesn't always wear one.

Wearing one for Ash Wednesday was a cool idea...just don't make it a habit! LOL!

Anonymous said...

I still have the "Big John Stone" Shirt if you would ever like to wear it! It would fit like a robe on you, and you could be casual! :)

Anonymous said...

I think it's a nice gesture for those who wish you'd wear it all the time. A good concession. and if you ever want lessons in how to look casual in a robe, watch Pastor Doug...

Judy Callarman, Scrabble Has-Been said...

I put a link to this post in my blog entry today. But actually, it was just in general to your blog--although I meant to be referring to this entry. I'll see if I can figure out how to edit it and do that! (Not very computer-savvy.)