jeffslater.net

Monthly archives for May, 2006

What Does A Minister Look Like?

May31
2006 11 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

Sometimes when I leave the house to go to the store, to run an errand, or even to visit someone at the hospital, my wife will (semi-jokingly) make the comment — “You don’t look much like a Minister.” She is referring to my attire. I am notorious for dressing casually. Right now I am in my office working on sermons and such, and I’m wearing shorts, sandals and a worn-out polo shirt. The only times I ever wear a coat and tie are Sunday mornings, weddings and funerals.

And I got to thinking, “What is a Minister supposed to look like/dress like?”

This has certainly changed through the years. When I was a kid, you never saw the Minister without a coat and tie — whether it was Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, or Friday at the mall. He was always dressed up. Today, other than Sunday morning, the attire seems to be khakis and a nice button-down shirt. I rarely dress that way — I find it uncomfortable. I prefer blue jeans and comfortable shirts. And my Keen Sandals, of course.

When I’m out and about, I don’t really want to be recognized as a Minister. I want to to be seen as just a regular guy (it helps me get away with more mischief!). Seriously, when people know I’m a Minister, they act differently around me, and I don’t think that’s a good thing. I want people to be themselves, to be comfortable and relaxed. And I want them to know that I’m just like them — I have the same struggles, I’m trying to be a good husband and parent, I’m trying to make my way through life — just like they are. Isn’t that part of what Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22)?

When and how did the Minister’s attire become so important? When did our Sunday assemblies become formal affairs? I’m thankful that this has not really been an issue where I preach. I don’t always wear a tie on Sunday mornings, and as a general rule, I dress very casually throughout the week. And so far, it has not been a problem for anyone (as far as I know).

I look forward to the day (and I believe it’s coming) when I can preach and teach on Sunday morning wearing jeans and a comfortable shirt. And no one will notice.

What do you think? Do you want your minister to be dressed-up (at least in business casual) at all times?

Posted in General

Memorial Day

May29
2006 4 Comments Written by Jeff Slater


On Memorial Day I always think of my uncle Frank, who died a hero in World War II. Here’s an account of how he died from the site dedicated to his memory:

“For extraordinary heroism as a gunner aboard the USS SAN FRANCISCO during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area on November 12 and 13, 1942. Courageously refusing to abandon his gun in the face of an onrushing Japanese torpedo plane, SLATER, with cool determination and utter disregard for his own personal safety, kept blazing away until the hostile craft plunged out of the sky in a flaming dive and crashed on his station. His grim perseverance and relentless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the defense of his country. ”

His bravery and sacrifice earned him the Navy Cross. The Navy also named a ship after him — a Destroyer Escort, the U.S.S. Slater.

You can read more about my uncle Frank Here. You can read about the U.S.S. Slater Here and Here.

Posted in General

Mansfield 250

May28
2006 2 Comments Written by Jeff Slater



Race 008

Originally uploaded by jeffslater.

We had a great time at the race today. There were too many cautions (this race set a record for the number of cautions at a NASCAR Truck Race), but that wasn’t a big deal. Overall, the race was terrific. My son brought a friend, and he had never been to a race before. He seemed to have a good time.

This picture is my son and I — notice how good our seat were. Only five rows up. We would get a breeze every time the trucks went by, and sometimes would be peppered with bits of rubber from the track.

Posted in General

NASCAR Truck Race

May27
2006 2 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

My son and I, along with some friends, are off to the NASCAR Craftsman Series Truck Race in Mansfield, Ohio today. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day — about 80 degrees and sunny. This is a short (1/2 mile), relatively flat track, so there are always lots of wrecks and cautions. Taking the back roads, the track is only about a 15 minute drive for us.

The guy who gets us the tickets (Thanks, Keith!) is aquainted with the wife of one of the Toyota drivers, so we will be rooting for Toyota (sorry Donna and Terri). There is a big GM truck plant in Mansfield, so we may not be the most popular fans at the race today.

If they let me bring my camera in (and if I’m not killed by angry GM workers), I’ll post some pictures later.

Posted in General

The Rev. Hercules

May27
2006 2 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

I’ve been critical of Pat Robertson in the past…

But No More! 

Posted in Humor

Thanks!

May26
2006 Leave a Comment Written by Jeff Slater

A BIG Thanks to Greg Kendall-Ball for his help in getting this blog up and running. I got stuck a few times and he walked me through it.

So how do you like the theme? Do you feel, like Donna, that you’re drinking a cup of coffee?

Posted in General

Themes!

May25
2006 2 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

I’m still in search of a theme for this blog (as you can see, I’ve already changed).  I want one that is clean, looks nice, and is functional.  I like this one, but I’m not sure I’ll keep it.  I’m trying to learn more about how to alter it.  I guess I’m telling you, my faithful reader, to be ready for more changes to this site.

Posted in General

Welcome!

May25
2006 3 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

Welcome to my new space on the web!  I decided to leave blogger.com and get my own site, and I’m glad I did.  It’s pretty easy to set up, and I feel a sense of freedom in having my own space.  I am still tweaking it and trying to figure out how everything works.

Please change your links and bookmarks to http://jeffslater.net

Posted in General

Groundbreaking Ceremony

May24
2006 4 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

These are pictures from the ceremonial groundbreaking for our new church building that took place on May 7th.

The first picture is of our elders. The man with the shovel is Roger Shriver, who has served as an elder the longest — he helped build the building we’re currently meeting in.

The second picture is of the congregation (actually, about half the congregation) standing around the outline of the center part of the new building, which will contain the foyer and the offices. One of our elders went about 25 feet up on a hydraulic lift to take that picture.

It’s exciting! The building should be completed by March or April of next year.

Posted in General

Tigers!

May23
2006 3 Comments Written by Jeff Slater

I know its still early, but…

How ’bout them Tigers!

Best record in baseball, winners of 10 of their last 11, and a pitching staff that has already thrown 9 shutouts!

Now, let’s just hope they can keep it going through the summer. Maybe, just maybe it will be a season similar to This One.

Posted in Sports
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