Ok. For years now, I've resisted blogging. But the time for resistance has come to an end. It's now time to pick up some of these things I've been reluctant to clutter my work time with.
After attending the ELCA's Follow Me conference in Chicago last week, I became very aware that "engaging the conversation" means figuring out how to use these sophisticated social networking tools. Or just sitting around on the sideline and staying outside of some of the many conversations and relationships which are happening among the conversation partners who know how these things work.
All of this might come easily to the generation arriving this week at the university (many of whom were born in 1992), but it has taken me a bit of work to figure all of this out. This weekend I've spent some time poking around in order to renovate and reactivate the Chapel's facebook page, linking it up with a twitter account, and creating this new blog space in which I might begin to post musings, messages, sermons, etc. If I find the nerve! I've been told that all of this is helpful to "engage the conversation." Now, let's see how well it works! Wish me luck!
Yay. I will follow your blog and engage with you in the conversation.
ReplyDeleteI think you have something to say (and Nadia put it well when she said that's why we "follow" blogs, etc.) so thanks for engaging the conversation, Jeff. Count me among the followers, too!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to start a blog for some time, but various excuses are keeping me from following through. Perhaps you will be my inspiration to stop making excuses!
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is so exciting! I can't wait to see what will come of this, and the blog page is even apparently Blackberry-friendly :)
ReplyDeleteI am also hopeful that this will provide an opening for the younger people (like me) to be more involved in the conversation and in building our community.
So glad you are getting with the new technology! As a mid 50's woman I am one of the few of my generation who embrace and see the value of connecting on a global level. I have been blogging for 5 years I think, it is wonderful to connect with people from other places share thoughts and experiences. I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteVery exciting, Pastor Jeff!
ReplyDeleteWell, no one mentioned the plaid. LOVE the plaid. So manly....Looking forward to further writings. My wife is the queen of social networking and she's 57. It is possible to get on board!
ReplyDeleteOh oh. You've created a temptation ... the inside conversation with Pr. Jeff. "Incline your ear to me," as the psalmist says. Blogging is too big of a concept. Start small. For example, what do you think of the cathedra and its placement in the Cathedral of Christ the Light (I just visited there during a conference break at the Cathedral). Does Anne Rice's break from organized religion have meaning to you? Is there a biblical phrase you use in everyday life? Of course, you could jump right into the messiness of theology. There's also the constant need to encourage walking the talk. The fall elections are around the bend, with war and livelihoods on voters minds. And, any conversation about Jesus is engaging, alarming, educational, difficult, easy. There's cooking. Homelife. Hoped-for travels. Family. Movies. Priscilla. Don Giovanni. But, unlike this stream, your words will be from a gifted mind and experienced feet. There is never enough time, but if you find any for sharing in this blog, may it be because, as Job says, "I must speak, so that I may find relief." Here's hoping you do. From one who misses seeing & hearing you nearly daily at the top of the Chapel.
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