Incredible

We had an incredible cottage meetings last night that lasted 3 hours. I told them they could walk out after 90 minutes...The system I am in is very healthy and it is exciting to have people asking for change and wanting me to lead it...of course that brings with a whole set of issues to discern, but that is why I am having cottage meetings. This is kind of neat as well--a pastor in the area asked about the cottage meetings that we are doing and wondered if the idea could be stolen. It is fun that a positive word is getting out in such a short time.

On the other side of the coin I am in the presence of pranksters. The confirmation boys filled the sidewalk full of water before class and the sidewalk under the front door was glare ice. Yeah, never a dull moment. Kinda funny actually, but do I have to be the responsible one and let parents know what was done? I suppose someone could really have gotten hurt. Paz.

By the way--48 degrees--what in the world?

moving along quickly

I have always thought that January would be a month that would be a bit slower that the other months. Hmmm, I guess I miscalculated. But that is ok.

I realized that it has been a while since I posted last. I think I have a hangover from Advent and Christmas, but I have to say that part of my reaction is also because I am used to having some time off in January (ok, really having the month off with a slower schedule)

The cottage meetings have started out pretty well. They have been very imformative. I really trusted that things that needed to would percolate to the top and reveal themselves. I notice themes in the way people have shared. It is very exciting because I have learned what is important to people and some important events in their life as a part of the church. It is also very interesting because anxiety and tradition also percolate to the top and we can see some of the things in our way. Overall I am enthused that people would take the time to share about their church and their life. I get asked every day what I am going to do with what I have heard. Many have asked for a report or a forum to discuss what I have 'found'. They are really interested what other groups have shared as well if I am 'going to leave now after what I have heard'. (how cute) What I love about this is they have given me many ideas that when they are implemented they can say 'that was my idea', and take ownership with it. In any case I am still working with how I am going to process all the comments with them as a church. The very challenging part is that each congregation is extremely unique (which you would expect), but yet I don't have the time to tailor a ministry plan, etc...that is unique for each congregation. As in have different bulletins, and plan different Bible studies that meet each of their needs,etc...This I pray about often, and hope that one will not feel neglected, left out or disheartened.

On a lighter note we are taking 2 weeks in February and seeing Seattle (vacation) and visiting Holden Village (cont.Ed.). I think these multiple week breaks will be crucial for my strength and renewal in the context we are in, and how I think I need to renew.

Anyone have experience with Crossways International? I have some of the training, and am hoping to use their lenten piece as a study after the lented service.

Paz

p.s. the wind is blowing about 40 mph this afternoon and we are starting to see grass again...bummer

would appreciate...

I would covet your prayers. The congregations I serve are entering into a two week period of cottage meetings. I am leading 8 of them over the next two weeks. I have decided this will be one of the 'blue chips' for change I will use. I have hopes that we will in part discern the Holy Spirit's call to each of us and our congregation. I believe that with the size of our congregation's size we need to be intentional about the ministry we are called to. We cannot do every program and service that a larger congregation might because of the resources, etc...

I must admit that I have some fear inside that when I start asking questions there will be no answers. I must admit that I also have some excitement that when I ask about future hopes for their congregation there will be an outpouring of ideas and we will catch the breeze of the spirit.

Just so you know, those who I am familiar with viewing this page have been in my prayers this morning. May this strengthen you as we weary travelers travel in a weary world.

Paz, Chad

True Blessings

Having just returned from Luther Seminary's Convocation and several phone calls I am reminded how blessed I am to have so many great colleagues and friends in ministry situation who care about me and are interested in the ministry I am called to do. These conversations are fruitful and life-giving. It is such a blessings to have a community outside of my congregations that I can reach to for support and mutual up-lifting. It is also such an honor to hear other stories of blessings and struggle from those who I have interacted with. Ministry is REAL and it is great to interact with people who have their hands and hearts immersed in a community and want to discern what God is doing in that place.

Thanks you to each of you who are part of this community who I have interacted with in the past two weeks and in the few days to come. I have a suspicion that we love the church and it is important that we stay in love with it...

A toast to that...Paz