Last Sunday

Yesterday was my last Sunday at my field ed church. It was an interesting experience on so many levels -- a reminder of what I'll be missing when I'm gone, and just enough craziness and chaos that being gone for the summer will be a relief. I was the only one praying at 10 a.m. pre-service prayer. Yesterday was communion Sunday (Pentecost). No elements were prepared, so at 10:50, I was defrosting frozen bagels and cutting them up to serve (we were planning communion by intinction). Then I came up with the bagels as worship was starting at 11, and the elements had miraculously appeared in those 10 mins. (I guess the deacon who was supposed to provide them was running late...?). There was a guest preacher -- Baptist minister in his 70's -- really moved by the Holy Spirit -- entertaining and educational and powerful -- and a song done in sign language by the kids....and then they presented me with a city-scape stole (to honor me, women in ministry, and urban ministry). Very nice. I will miss many things about that church. Will visit them maybe once a month next school year (that is my plan).

Interesting, when I arrived (early), one of the pillars of the church and one of the most accepting/tolerant people I know, told me to leave the church doors closed (locked) because unattended kids would be coming in (as they always do) and no one had time to watch them while we were setting up.... I don't ever feel called to watch them -- not sure if problems have arisen, or why this person (who I love dearly, and who I have never heard utter anything even remotely resembling an unkind word) would act/feel that way on this particular Sunday.... An interesting conundrum.

I like consistency. I like to think I understand everything and everybody. And when I put people in their little "boxes" -- I hate it when their behavior changes and I have to think about them differently again! That's my issue, I know....

On another note, the "token Jew" in our congregation (can I say that? just kidding -- he is married to one of our most dedicated members) came up to me after worship and wished me well. He told me he knew I would make a fine pastor, and how he loves my presence in the pulpit. That was really nice to hear. He has a wonderful heart and he is dedicated to his wife to come to her Christian worship services, ever.

Of course there is more to say but I have forgotten what it is/was. It's Monday, one of my last free weeks before CPE begins, so I have organizational stuff to do around the house, and I need to prep for a meeting I'm chairing tomorrow night. Get an agenda printed and such.... Off to face the day and hopefully feel like I've accomplished a lot at the end of it!