catching up...slowing down
It seems that the blogging world ebbs and flows like the church year ;) I have not been so great about updating my blog, but I suppose it will be what it will be...
Things have really slowed down in this neck of the woods at church. Summer is really a hard time around here as attendance drops off the face of the earth. My predecessor told me that was the most difficult part about it all. It is difficult to discern whether this is one to go after or whether I should choose another 'battle' (sorry to use that word, I don't really like it). In life though, I feel like I can't keep up, so I guess it is a blessing that I have quite a bit of flexibility.
I have found it a particular challenge to not have a staff, nor an active parish office. I do find myself going out visiting because of that, but I also covet the day when I could have a staff meeting and devotions, prayer time, and someone to bounce ideas off. I have thought of offering a prayer group or the like, but most of our folks are working still. What i have accepted is that in each congregation setting there are different strengths, gifts, and a particular cycle to the ministry. As I begin my 11th month I am still trying to live in to that.
Ministry is starting to feel a bit more normal after the first 11 months. It's no joke when you think about all the experiences you have at the start of a new ministry. You have to learn to live into a new situation, setting, and pattern of ministry.
My wife started a new full time job at a UNited Methodist church yesterday. It is an incredible place with a great staff. She is the office manager and gets to observe and work with two female pastors at the church. I think it will be a very positive experience and influence her desire for theological education herself.
Well, that's an update. It is a bit melancholy I think, but it seems to be the wave I am riding on right now. God's peace to each of you in your work and ministry, whatever that is! Paz
posted by Chad K @ 6/08/2006 09:52:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
hmmm...i hear your contemplative state and think that it could be both draining and fruitful. here's hoping that it's mostly fruitful.
things here have been a little slower, too, which means i have time suddenly to apprach things i've been waiting to do. reading, working with the wording for the "contemporary" setting of the baptismal liturgy we use at 11:00, exploring how we might use fair trade coffee here, etc. i like having a chance to do that, although i see how i'm going to have to keep a list of that stuff so i don't say, "what was it i was going to do when i had time?"
enjoy the sense of relative peace that comes with a little experience under your belt!
we haven't really slowed down yet, but we are certainly different. i am looking forward to taking a vacation next week, we need to get away.
i am really struggling with the "looking ahead" thing. seems so many immediate things demand attention.
i need to do some reading and planning. will have to work on that. glad to hear your peace and reflections, a good encouragement to do so here as well. perhaps kendi's list would help.
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