Flower's Petals

New blog

2007-11-14T19:08:00.001-08:00

http://eythan-nachal.blogspot.com/

Two months to the date...

2006-05-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back online. My brother can only monopolize the internet for so long before I need to check my grades. Today was not an ordinary day, my dad decided it was time to fix the doorbell. So, we made "blueprints" (or maybe we would call them yellow-lined-paper prints):

And then we started on figuring where the wires were. It turns out the person who had this house built was not one to use foresight. We looked at the wires and it was determined that the wire went up through a small hole from the basement, behind the cooling duct for the furnace, and twisted and turned through the wall (through two beams) up to the top where it came out a small hole and attached to the doorbell.

This makes it really hard to replace a wire without ripping out the wall. However, knowing how my dad will jump to anything that involves smashing something (he doesn't strike you as the type until you see him tare down a fence) I had to quickly think of alternatives. Thanks to Mom being here, there was no immediate smashing for she would hear and there would be no end to the yelling. So, while he was looking for a hammer I suggested that we attach a wire to the old one and just pull it through. Yes, this would have worked if the wires hadn't been stapled to the wall. So, after this and explaining to my dad that continuing to pull will not help matters, I got the idea that if we got a stronger wire to go down, we could then attach the other wire to it and get it that way. Well, thank you builders for also filling the holes with plaster after stapling the wires to the wall and going in a "z" pattern through two beams. My dad found the hammer. Okay, so what if we were to just remove the wooden decorative beams and see if there is some kind of hole at the bottom or something. After all, those beams would be much easier to replace and/or place back in. Well, after removing them with a crowbar, he didn't really stop and we got this as a result. I really don't know how we are going to put it all back together.
We got this:

And this:

And this:
At least he showed some restraint by not taking the entire wall down.

If you see the yellow, that's the original color of our kitchen. Yes, a lovely pee yellow kitchen. My dad says it's not much better in pink. It's not pink, it's peach and my dad is quite literally color blind. Though, in the pictures it does look a little pink. I swear in real life, you see the orange tint. In any case, this was a long day and with dial-up being very slow, I think I'll call it a night to blogging. It has nothing to do with my brother clawing his eyes out by not being able to be on World of Warcraft for about 2 hours.

Hiatus

2006-03-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a little break from blogging. Though I like the relaxing nature in writing of times past and practicing trajectory, I need to get other things done, including school work. Much in the way of school work.

Bis dann mon amie! Je vous souhaite un jour heureux! :-)

October 2005: Orpheum Theater

2006-03-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

There comes a time when a truly great concert flies by your eyes. Most times, I feel as though I missed those opportunities. This, however, was not missed.

October came with a slump. I had to drop a class, pick up a few more, and I was having great difficulty relating to my roommate. Small conversations were being had and eventually my friends and I learned that the Decemberists were coming to Madtown. We were excited to say the least.

I had recently learned of their music the year before and found I liked most of their up beat songs. Not to mention, their lyrical story-telling was superb. We were able to obtain front row seats for the event and once the music started, we were on our feat. There were some botches in the program, the accordion wouldn't work for about half the concert, Colin Meloy forgot the words to one of the songs half-way through, and some of the lighting wasn't the best.

However, the charm of the group and the faithfulness of the music lovers, kept things going. Because of these technical difficulties, there was more interaction with the audience. Including multiple high-fives to audience members.

Coming to an end, Colin Meloy invited anyone who could get up, to join them on stage. Forgetting my camera in my excitement, I only have the memory of rocking out next to John Moen. The night couldn't have been more pleasurable.

The Indie Rock Pete Complex and comments...

2006-03-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Music.

In my circle it's about who is "good." Unfortunately there are some that use it as a status, "I would never be caught dead listening to pop" breed of connection with music. I discuss sometimes what I look for in music when people want to get me a cd of some musician or another. Grasping at what is available, I might be caught listening to Ace of Base from time to time, or horror among horrors, Heart. I admit it, I listen to music for quality, but also for emotion. Cheap tricks can work on me and I'm as docile as a lamb when they do.

I have been found singing along to Bon Jovi and some country songs *which will go unmentioned*. I finally figured out what I like about some of these genres, what makes me drawn to them. Listening to music, there are songs that I like only because of the cheesy message. Listening to them, I imagine Sol playing such a song "for me" (not in the sense of him performing it). It is corny and cheesy beyond anything that I can imagine. Throw it up to wanting more interaction, being miles away from your future husband is never easy, but I imagine such songs. For the most part, if it was placed in actuality, I wouldn't really enjoy it. It's a form of emotional fantasy where the songs strike some kind of chord (pun intended).

Other songs by "good" artists also find their way into this genre. Other things that go along with these songs, along with their simple message of missing someone, is easy lyrics and even easier tune. So much so, I thought it was because I could sing along that I enjoyed these songs so much, not so. So as I continue to enjoy music from Elbow and Eric Clapton, I'll continue to imagine and wait.

I'm also enjoying the melodies of Beulah for other reasons. I can't get over Popular Mechanics for Lovers. Absolutely, deliciously bitter.

May 2003: New Dorm Room

2006-02-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

On my own

I was unsure how to act or what to feel. It was my first summer away from home. It was my first summer living on my own. However, freedom was not on my lips. After returning from work, I started to read up on the overtures for General Assembly. I had 3 days before I had to leave Madtown and venture off. I had too much to do, and not enough time to do it all in.

I started with some music by Dvorak, and created a lively but soothing playlist. What else was there for me to do? The sun started to go down as I sat staring at page after page. I realized that the summer would be rather different. I had few friends, most of my social activities involved spending time with my co-workers. This meant that I had a lot of alone time.

This worked out for my fellow housefellows. They needed someone to be around, and I was around. I learned the ins and outs of being a housefellow and more importantly, I learned how to remain calm when things go wrong.

This prepared me for a more important summer as a housefellow where I had the tests of my life, dealing with suicide to tornados to flooding. Cool and relaxed, I realized the best kind of person I can be during crisis is calm and collected.

I also realized that I was responsible enough to leave my parents. I was able and willing to start on my own, something that none of my friends really had grasped at the moment. Not that I didn't want contact with my parental units, just that I knew I would be okay without them. This realization sparked some wicked nightmares of death, but in the end, I knew where I was and confident in where I stood. I had grown up.

I knew it before, but I'm a 6.

2006-02-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

the Questioner
Tt finished!

you chose CY - your Enneagram type is SIX.

"I am affectionate and skeptical"

Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family,
friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved
and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

Be direct and clear.

Listen to me carefully.

Don't judge me for my anxiety.

Work things through with me.

Reassure me that everything is OK between us.

Laugh and make jokes with me.

Gently push me toward new experiences.

Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Six

being committed and faithful to family and friends

being responsible and hardworking

being compassionate toward others

having intellect and wit

being a nonconformist

confronting danger bravely

being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Six

the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence
in myself

fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Sixes as Children Often

are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and
stubborn

are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority
and rebel

are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families,
and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Sixes as Parents

are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

worry more than most that their children will get hurt

sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele

The Enneagram Made Easy

Discover the 9 Types of People

HarperSanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages

You liked the test? so please RATE it :-)

You are not completely happy with the result?!

You chose CY

Would you rather have chosen:

AY (EIGHT)

BY (FOUR)

CX (TWO)

CZ (ONE)

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 0% on ABC

You scored higher than 57% on XYZ

Link: The Quick and Painless ENNEAGRAM Test

If you take the test, please tell me how someone can score "higher" on those two questions. I think that's just a loaded blow to me.

June 2003: Denver

2006-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

On Mondays, I'm now going to post a random picture that I took at some point.

On the bus, we were all excited to see the clouds parting. The sun, for the first time that week was fighting through the overcast blockade. The once grey and white mountains glistened purple. As we rode on we discussed the exciting events of the day, for we were all in different committees and many changes were being brought forth to the PC (USA). Being a youth advisory delegate (YAD), we were only given full voting rights in committee. This day signified the end of our ability to have voting rights. All votes had been cast, all recommendations had been made, and even the alterations to the overtures had been completed.
The day was shaping to be wonderful and we were headed to the ranch bubbling with excitement. Once pulling into the parking lot, we realized that this was a “ranch” not a ranch. We found an ole timey smithe shoppe, where you could buy anything you see. Then we found an ole timey mail and general store. Also a place where you could buy anything you see. The one place we found enjoyment was on the path to the top of a hill. From this formation one could see the mountains and plenty of picturesque scenes to snapshot. Like our hopes for the ranch, the blockade returned with threatening booms later in the evening.
Sitting on a rock, contemplating the various overtures and decided stands and questions I would present on the floor, I looked up and took that picture.

Ninja...ja..ja...ja...a...a...

2006-02-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Random fact generator for Chuck Noris...
http://www.4q.cc/index.php?pid=fact&person=chuck

Not much else for today.

ekeln... x_x

2006-02-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

"...she looks like the real thing...
...she tastes like the real thing..."

The horrible taste of bad mushrooms is in my mouth. That sandwich must have been past due. No matter how curiously strong they may be, Altoids are not helping.

About the only emotion that I can associate with taste is that of embarrassment. Some of our senses, sight, sound, smell, all trigger emotions from day to day. Smell can even waft one into a memory like a gentle mist settling. But taste, though we associate it with food and one of the most social of daily activities that I come across, seems to be left in the dust. Nothing is triggered for myself when I have "grandma's old recipes" or when I taste strawberries (even though when I had my wisdom teeth pulled this was all I could taste for some days). So, what is it about taste?

Smell and sight are definitely a strong part of taste. Our tongue is only responsible for some basics like sweet, bitter, and so on. Euphemisms can take a certain approach to this as well. One can "taste fear" but one could also smell it. Truly I only experience true taste when I have a lingering sensation in my mouth well after having a meal.

Strong emotions I feel with sight (what comes to mind):
Fear: darkness
Calm: blue, Happy: pastels

Even more so for sound:
Happy: children's laughter, a corny pick-up line
Sad: string instrument playing in a minor key, crying, glass shattering
Anxious: sirens, cell phone vibrating
Surprised: Loud drums
Warm and fuzzy: kitten mewing
Calm: water flowing, music that is continuous and in the background

But for taste, not so much. It may be that in the past sight and sound were triggers. These were the senses that would warn us first and foremost of danger, thus humans became acute listeners (though some you wouldn't guess) and watchers able to detect those signs to which there was danger. Fear would then be associated and over time, these strong senses would attach other emotions to different situations.

So taste, not being a sense that warned people except for poison (even then there were visual cues) went to the wayside while those that warned of danger (sight, smell, sound) were perfected and made more and more acute along with memory so they would be useful.

When did I Stop Dreaming?

2006-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

You appeared when I was lost in reverie
If this is not a dream, it's my mistake
And now I lie in wait for dawn to break
I'm fairly sure I'm wide awake

Pardon me, if I seem distant and strange
Just tell me when did I stop dreaming?
Let me get this straight
Did I hallucinate?
This fine and helpless feeling
Tell me when did I stop dreaming?

Let me know if you can help me explain
I didn't recognise the danger
But people will talk
Was I just sleepwalking?
Footprints left on the ceiling
Tell me when did I stop dreaming?

Then why should you care?
This is my nightmare
Was this one dream too deep?
Now if I could only sleep

Answer me, if you see the end in sight
I'm just a soul who's lost in limbo
Neither bad or good
I'd spare you now if I could
One more teardrop
Then I'll wake up
Tell me when did I stop dreaming?

**Ahh thank you Elvis Costello for North and all the wonderful albums you have made over the years.**

Comfort food

2006-02-03T07:26:00.001-08:00

While in the cafeteria basement (where the coffee and ice cream lay) I over-heard some girls talking/complaining about life in general. Obviously coming to enjoy the sweet delight of "comfort food."

Lately I've been falling into this trap of tempting delectables. I know better than to take on too much, but there are nights that I've been getting a cookie here, or where the worst of it comes, apple juice.

The apple is a curious fruit that has meant many things over the years. In ancient Greece, a man who wanted to propose to a woman would need to throw an apple to her. If she caught the apple, then she had accepted his offer. Apples have symbolized luxury, pleasure, love, fertility, and even good health. Who hasn't heard, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away?"

For my purposes, apples and especially apple juice has become a comfort food (going with the whole pleasure aspect). Normally, when one finds a comfort food, the health aspect is purposely ignored. Pleasure is usually measured in our society by how "bad" a food item is for oneself. If it has a ton of calories, it's got to be good. Most importantly, sugar and chocolate have become major comfort foods. I have always dubbed Golden Graham crackers covered with chocolate frosting and oreos dipped in peanut butter to be foods fit for kings (or the gods).

So, where do apples fit in this? Why are my taste buds leaping for the apple juice and not the chocolate milk?

I do not necessarily have an answer for this. When giving up refined sugar for lent last year, I did face a problem of not finding much to eat. A positive of giving up sugar for that long? Well, fruit and other natural sweets became rather tasty. I seriously suggest, if you can give up refined sugar for two months, please, do so. You will first have problems with sugar dives, but things will taste better, and you'll feel better. Our pallet for food has become rather narrowed. If it doesn't have a ton of sugar or fat, then it's not worth eating. After lent last year, I was unable to enjoy my chocolate bunny or any other sweets. Soda tasted horrible and hyper does not even begin to explain how I acted after I had one pixie stix.

So, apples and other fruits became preferred sweets. However, when I finally was able to tolerate sugar again, apples remained as a stay in my diet. In fact, less than a week after purchasing a full bag of apples, I have consumed them. The only thing that worries me about such matters is the "need" I'm feeling for "comfort food."

I'll ponder this further, however, I feel as though my loneliness may be a cause. I'll be going home this weekend, so, there shouldn't be worry too much. I may just enjoy myself yet.

As a side note: No one really knows how much I would like to go bowling this weekend with people. It has a nostalgic quality and my friends from home know bowling all too well, it being one the the few cheaper things to do there. It may be why I'm joining a bowling team. Considering my handicap is about 120, this is not a good thing. (for those who don't know, handicaps are determined by 200-your average score)

New featured link:

2006-01-26T05:12:00.000-08:00

The new featured link is to the right. You can also click below...

Men in Coats

I think I will create a new archive for these if they start to pile up.

Wake me up when the semester ends...

2006-01-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

Green Day

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

Like my fathers come to pass
Seven years has gone so fast
Wake me up when September ends

Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are

As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

Ring out the bells again
Like we did when spring began
Wake me up when September ends

Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are

As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last

Wake me up when September ends

Like my father's come to pass
Twenty years has gone so fast
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends

Like a incongruous joke, this song is everyehere I go long after September has ended and in the most unusual places. From the gym to the cafeteria, this song needs to be evicted from my mind. It's a song (on some level) about change. Facing the change of going to seminary has been staring at me in the face.

This past Sunday, a theme of worship was "in our weaknesses we find strength." When finding weakness in life, finding strength in God has been a pursuit of mine. It's a way of being able to fully grasp change and try form myself into a better person. Occasionally in my life I'm reminded of the phrase, "Be patient with me; God isn't finished with me yet." I feel as though that will be one of the few constants in my life.

Finding a way to grasp improvement and taking what others have to tell/request/suggest about changing my demeanor has helped me in my path toward ministry. I know I'm not far, but constantly keeping myself under construction has allowed me to stay humble. No one's perfect, and no one is "done" in the pursuit of knowledge, spiritual development, or whatever may be the case. There is more to be done, more to be read, more to be invented, more analyses to be made. More, more, more.

Hopefully on this road I can have fun as I go.

Cuando el Pobre (When a Poor One)

2006-01-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Cuando el Pobre
J.A. Olivar and Miguel Manzano
1976

Cuando el pobre nada tiena y aun reparte,
Cuando el hombre pasa sed y agua nos da,
Cuando el debil a suhermano fortalece,
*Estribillo*
Va Dios mismo ennuestro mismo caminar,
Va Dios mismo ennuestro mismo caminar,

Cuando sufre un hombre y logra su consuelo,
Cuando espera y no se cansa de esperar,
Cuando amamos aunque el odio nos rodee,
*Estribillo*

Cuando crece la alegría y nos inunda
Cuando dicen nuestros labios la verdad,
Cuando amamos el sentir de los sencillos,
*Estribillo*

Cuando a bunda el bien y llena los hogares,
Cuando un hombre donde hay guerra pone paz,
Cuando "hermano" le llamamos al extraño,
*Estribillo*

When a Poor One
English trans. George Lockwood
1989
When a poor one who has nothing shares with strangers,
When the thirsty water give unto us all,
When the crippled in their weakness strengthen others,
*Refrain*
Then we know that God still goes that road with us,
Then we know that God still goes that road with us.

When at last all those who suffer find their comfort,
When they hope though even hope seems hopelessness,
When we love though hate at times seems all around us,
*Refrain*

When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing,
When our lips can speak no words other than true,
When we know that love for simple things is better,
*Refrain*

When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance,
When we learn how to make peace instead of war,
When each stranger that we meet is called a neighbor,
*Refrain*

Waffles

2006-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever smelt something that in a split second seems to be positively scrumtrulescent?

Walking over to the cafeteria this morning after church, my nose lead me to the table with waffles. The aroma of cherry and strawberry topping twisting and dancing with the melting smell of waffles left me with much to be desired.

Id: "I want waffles!!!! I want them now!!!"

Ego: "Now, you know we are on a diet. We can't be eating that. How about some nice toast?"

Id: "With butter, sugar, and cinnamon? Just like what dad used to make?"

Ego: "No, plain wheat toast. It's crunchy and satisfies."

This goes on back and forth before something strikes me. I start to think to what ends I come to meet God at the dinner (breakfast) table. Do I just sit and eat what I want, or do I think of what I need and do what is necessary for sustenance alone? When have I even met God at the dinner table? When have not gone the path of gluttony and thought of where I should be? When has food been just for energy/nutrition and not for pleasure?

...

Super-Ego: I side with Ego here, get the toast, some eggs, and milk... SKIM milk.

...

No salt added to my eggs, no pepper. No butter or jam for the toast. No chocolate milk, no orange juice, not even a bowl of cereal. Two pieces of toast, two boiled eggs, and some milk. It was the most bland and unpleasant experience. Not even a hint of the "I'm doing something good" feeling.

It was functional.

So, I leave as the line grows for waffles. I even got there early enough to make them right away. "What a waste," I think. Then I shake my head; no, it's not a waste. I got what I needed and found a strength inside (with some help) to keep to my diet.

As I packed to get ready for work, I noticed, when God's involved, dieting becomes so much easier. It's like lent, only year round.

Now all I can do is have a smile on my face knowing that I'm doing something good for myself, body and soul.

reminiscing

2006-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

I'm at work and I just finished my homework readings. There is really nothing to do here and unlike at the capitol, when I'm working here, there is no one to do stuff with. How I wish for 'good ol' days.'

Mornings, as the sun rose over the capitol and the smell of teddy-wedges would fill the air, I would approach the dome as Forward would stretch out a hand waving as I walked up the steps. The statue would always look welcoming and was always a pleasant sight. Most days work would be dull and stashed in the basement along with the pages I belonged to were artifacts of times past. Games, mailings, books, even sewing materials for knitting and quilting were placed about to suggest recent use.

Days that started with my lone self in the page room meant that I needed to be somewhere else. The days where I wouldn't have the time to sit and read the newspaper started with the lurking feeling of being an intruder in the domain I normally felt so at home. I would find my blazer, re-adjust the name tag and start making coffee. Granted, I would love to take some to try and settle nerves, but that would have to wait, the caucus rooms needed attending, and papers would need to be copied and placed so that senators would know what is going on around them.

Not a second after brewing the final pot of coffee the phone rings and the last minute amendments and the calendars are ready for pick-up. Rushing off to get them others drag their feet into the break room. I tell the first person I see the coffee is done and am normally responded with a grunt or moan. Not joining in the activities that normal pages of days past would habitually engage in after work, spending their pay-check on most forms of cheap drinks, kept me sharp in the morning and energetic. It also meant that I was never truly part of the group.

Session days, as they were referred to, had many perks, including a free lunch for the pages. Mostly it was our best days in so-far-as we were appreciated. Seeing the people behind the scenes up close normally meant nicer treatment and thank you's around. Being on the brink of a budget cut, the life on the bottom was thankless any other time.

The page job was also the perfect college job. Being paid to do ones homework was the norm, but playing euchre and trivial pursuit was also a pass time much appreciated. Working here in the computer lab, I can only remember the time when I used to work at the dead end of State Street. This is yet another job that pays me to do homework but only better. I miss the company kept by others, but this is alright. Training was all of 10 minutes, I already know most of the ins and outs.

In the end, the excitement of capitol work was good and until I became a budget cut, I happily worked there. May I once again find a job where I can say, I'm happy at work. Hopefully I'm on the right track.

Click this!

2006-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

... or...

click this!

Matrix Ping Pong. It's awesome!

And.... scene!

2005-12-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

I am done with finals.

I'm enjoying a Charlie Brown Christmas music and typing up things about the "Swamp Fox" for my boss. Apparently we have a lot to owe this guy, Francis Morion. He made it possible for us to defeat the British in the Revolutionary War. An expert in Guerrilla warfare, mostly attacking at night, he was able to make most armies surrender without anyone being hurt.

He was a captain in the Second South Carolina Line and promoted to major and fought at the Fort Sullican during the June 1776 British attack. He received the nickname, "Swamp Fox" when he successfully eluded Tarleton, who was sent after him to capture him. The Swamp Fox escaped because he knew the swamps of Georgetown and Tarleton didn't.

After the war wore down and we won, he placed himself in the South Carolina legislature and was later given thanks on February 26, 1783 "for his eminent and conspicuous services to his country."

Interesting stuff eh? Now, if only we could win wars without shedding blood, or at least minimizing it.

So, Durkhiem was this guy, right?

2005-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

I've been looking into the issue of church membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Membership in the Presbyterian Church is defined a little different then what traditionally is considered "membership" thanks to the Catholic Church. Membership is active in the Presbyterian Church. You need to come to church, not necessarily participate, but at least be there. How do we do this? Well, we take attendance. Normally called "friendship pads" these are in every row and people are encouraged to sign them. If a person stops coming for a while and there is no known reason (i.e. the church didn't get a call saying that they moved, got sick, or some other reason) the church calls and asks if they want to remain on the active membership role.

Data collected in Canada for demographic research show two trends. One is the trend of closing or (as I like to put it) extinction of rural churches of 50 or less members. This is inevitable. I hate to say it, but these churches do not have the financial resources to sustain themselves. However, they should be subsidized by the larger church because there really isn't a choice for most people.

Churches of about 75-150 seem to be rather stable and experience growth, though on a small scale. The worrisome thing is large churches. 54.6% of total membership loss if from the largest 104 churches. 80% of that loss was from congregations of 250 members or larger. These churches that have 250+ members represent only about one fifth of the total PCC (Presbyterian Church of Canada). What is happening that these people are leaving? More importantly, it seems like these churches have no problem getting people through the doors. People leave after being there for x number of years and are never to return.

Well, are they going to other denominations? Studies are showing that they are not. Only about 15% are going to other denominations. They are not going to church period. So, then I look at this with curiosity. What is making them leave?

We are great at marketing, we just have a shitty product. People are coming and expecting something that we are not delivering. Looking at the numbers and the trends again, I thought of the publication Suicide by Emile Durkheim. Now, I know that suicide is a little different then leaving a church, but this piece of sociology has significance and relevance.

Summary:
Egoisitic suicide resulted from too little social integration. Those individuals who were not sufficiently bound to social groups (and therefore well-defined values, traditions, norms, and goals) were left with little social support or guidance, and therefore tended to commit suicide on an increased basis. An example Durkheim discovered was that of unmarried people, particularly males, who, with less to bind and connect them to stable social norms and goals, committed suicide at higher rates than unmarried people.

*Thompson, Kenneth. 1982. Emile Durkheim. London: Tavistock Publications.
http://durkheim.itgo.com/suicide.html

So, lack of integration can cause suicide. Now, this is the extreme, but looking at leaving the church. A lack of integration, i.e. being lost in the shuffle, can cause a person to feel worthless and even if this does not lead to suicide, it can most likely lead to leaving the church. Once someone has tried to make a social experience, such as joining a community, work if it fails, it becomes rather difficult for that same person to expend the energy and time commitment in another attempt. Basically, it becomes easier to stay at home, work, or whatever on a Sunday morning then to try and risk failure again at another church.

This is something the church needs to recognize. Members need to be encouraged to be at a comfortable active level where they feel safe and welcome. Members need to have the community of Christ be shown to them, especially in a large church setting where it is all too easy to slip through the cracks. Once churches realize this we will see a stabilization of numbers and hopefully an increase.

Panda's thought of the day.

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mighty warrior!

2005-11-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more that needs to be said?

Panda