Central Texas
You
are invited to the Central Texas Annual Benefit Dinner
Tuesday, November 9,
2010 MORE
INFO 
Keynote
Speaker: Dr. Charles Siburt, D.Min
Dr. Siburt serves as Frazer Professor for Church Enrichment,
Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, and Associate
Dean for Ministry Programs and Services in the Graduate
School of Theology at Abilene Christian University.
He also serves as an elder at the University Church
of Christ in Abilene. He teaches graduate ministry
courses, including Introduction to Christian Ministry,
Church Leadership, Pastoral Ministry Skills, and Managing
Conflict in Churches.
Dr. Siburt completed his A.A. degree at Lubbock Christian
University before graduating from Abilene Christian
University with a B.A. degree in 1968 and a M.Div.
degree in 1971. He earned his D.Min. degree from the
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1978.
He came to ACU in 1988 after serving as a minister
in three congregations. He has performed consultations
and seminars in scores of congregations.
Dr. Siburt and his wife, Judy, have two married sons,
John and Ben, both of whom are also ministers. Their
greatest joy is time spent with their four grandchildren.
The
Counter-Story: Refections About My Own “Stuff”
By Tom Nuckels, Director of Spiritual
Care
Lifeline Chaplaincy Central Texas
Today
I was thinking about Pete (not his real name). I had
tried to visit him in ICU earlier in the week, but
he was sedated. I stood by his bedside and said a
silent prayer. A few days later, I arrived just after
he was visited by the nurses who had roused him by
taking vitals, blood pressure, etc. I spoke softly
to him, his eyes fixed on mine. He struggled to speak,
and seemed glad to have the company, attempting to
smile through the lines and tubes which gave both
sustenance and oxygen essential for breath.
“I
don’t know, but I won’t be here.”
After
meager attempts at communication, I offered prayer
and he accepted. We exchanged a few more words and
as I was taking my leave, mentally preparing for the
next patient, I said something about coming back to
see him in a few days. He said, “I won’t
be here in a few days.” I asked where he would
be and he said, “I don’t know, but I won’t
be here.” I decided at that moment that I didn’t
need to be anywhere that was more important than by
his side. He spoke of his faith and trust in God saying,
“All I want is to be with Him.” I explored
with him on thoughts of faith and eternity.
I
touched his head and shoulder, caressing gently, tenderly,
so as not to cause him more pain. Here was a man,
dying, without spouse or children, lonely and all
alone. I thought to myself, “if
I could only take his pain away, I would.” He
was so frail…and sick. So, I stayed a while.
Back
in my office, tears roll down my face. I don’t
know why. Perhaps it’s for him; perhaps for me.
I’m remembering my own losses; my dad and my
brother. I really do miss them today.
The
next day, I found myself still feeling somewhat “emotional”
and teary-eyed. I wondered what it was all about.
Then, it hit me. I realized that it is just days away
from my dad’s birthday which also coincides with
the anniversary of his cancer diagnosis…eleven
years ago! I learned a couple of lessons from this
event. First, I’m always amazed and intrigued
how my “stuff” or counter stories surface
at different times and moments when least expected.
They can come like an 18-wheeler out of nowhere and
hit us broadside. It might be the scent of a favorite
perfume of a loved one, their favorite song or hymn
sung in church, those important life events like weddings,
birthdays or graduations.
There
was no guarantee that I would see him tomorrow!
Another
lesson I was reminded of was the importance of being
“with” people; being in the moment; being
a
non-anxious presence, instead of being in a hurry.
Anyone can be in a hurry. We all have our agendas
and deadlines, but Pete would not wait. There was
no guarantee that I would see him tomorrow or the
day after that.
Finally,
I’m reminded of Jesus, who focused on others.
In Mark, chapter three, after a day of teaching and
healing, he withdrew with his disciples to the lake
and large crowds followed him. Later that day, he
entered a house and again the crowd gathered , “so
that his disciples were not even able to eat.”
Still Jesus attended the people. He was never frustrated,
never in a hurry, but ministered in the interruptions
of his day. God help us all to remember His example
of compassion and of being other-centered!
Westover
Hills Church of Christ emphasized Lifeline’s
ministry VIDEO
