Church life

A poor sinner

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

I had issues this morning.

I have been a pastor now for just over 7 years.  I have presided over communion for just over 7 years.  I have known the Words of Institution for just over 7 years (even longer than that because I knew well before seminary).  But today it was like I have never said those words before.

I was standing up front at Belmont this morning leading worship.  I had just received the offering and the congregation was standing.  I turned around holding the chalice and began the Words of Institution.  The problem is that we start with the bread and then go to the wine (at least that is what I normally do).  I found myself lost as I realized that I had the wrong element…so I had to wing it…trying to make it look as if I meant to start with the wine.

I failed.

I stuttered and stumbled through the Words of Institution like I didn’t know what I was doing.  I was totally frazzled and my rhythm was totally gone.  I even saw someone out there smile at his wife as he knew I was struggling.  I think part of the problem was that I have become so accustomed to the Words of Institution that I found myself relying of the words themselves and not on the proclamation.

That is going to have to change.

My hope and prayer is that people still heard words of promise regardless of my failure.  My guess is that they did hear words of promise ~ thanks to the Holy Spirit.  I trust that God still used me in some way ~ for you see ~ when I preach and lead worship it is not about what I do but it is about the Holy Spirit working through me.  One reason why I am certain of this is because if it were about me; if it were about my speaking ability; if it were about my so-call talents;  I would have been fired long ago.  But as it is God can use a poor sinner like me to proclaim the Good News.

Praise be to God!

The other explanation of what happened this morning could be that I need a vacation ~ something that will be happening very soon 🙂

-edh-

Creature of habit and the god of routine

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

I am a creature of habit (as I expect a lot of you are).  I have certain routines that I depend on.  Some I can live without if need be but some, if disrupted, can throw me for a loop…if I am not careful.  Case in point ~ Thursdays.

Thursday is a day I look forward to because it is the day I head down to my favorite coffee shop to write the sermon for Sunday.  I arrive downtown at around 10:25am and set up my lap top and work space.  I order my pre-lunch snack ~ a scotcheroo.  I also order my lunch to be prepared at 11am and, of course, I order my coffee.  Each Thursday…that is what I do ~ so much so that my coffee shop has a scotcheroo set aside for me each week unless I let them know ahead of time that I am going to be gone.  I am a creature of habit.

Thursday is not only scotcheroo day but more importantly it is worship and sermon prep day; a day that Monday through Wednesday builds up to.  Thursday begins the three day process of preparing for Sunday.  Sunday of course is the Sabbath and then the process starts all over again on Monday.  Week in and week out that is the “normal” routine.  Variables, of course, are funerals, pastoral care emergencies, holidays appearing during the week, etc.  Those times call for a little extra energy (a.k.a. coffee) and concentration…and a lot of prayer.  I don’t mind those “variables” because they are part of being a pastor.  I say “I don’t mind” meaning they don’t annoy me for throwing off the routine because it is also those times that I am called to minister.  I hope and pray everyday that I never approach the idol of “routine” that would steer me away from those holy moments I am called to.  I hope and pray that these “variables” don’t become an annoyance…for it is in that moment where I would be failing to trust in God’s faithfulness.

Routines can be a safe haven but they are a false “safe haven”.  Routines may provide order in chaos.  Routines may give you a sense of security.  Routines may provide something to look forward to.  But routines can never provide that which God provides.  Routines will be disrupted from time to time but God’s love and faithfulness will never be disrupted.  Routines will lead people into ruts, but God’s love is always exciting.  Routines can become idols; false gods, leading to destruction.

I cherish the routine of Thursday but not more than I cherish the God who loves me ~ so much so that Jesus died and rose that I may know forgiveness and everlasting life.  Thursday scotcheroos, coffees and lunch are great but God’s promises are better.

God…I pray that I may not be drawn into the idol worship of routine.  You have proved your faithfulness through Jesus Christ and for that I worship and praise you.  May your name be praised!  Amen!

–edh-

Wednesdays

/ The Pastor

Wednesday/hump day is a strange animal for me.  I have very mixed feelings about this day ~ and the feelings depend on the time of the year.  If you haven’t read my previous post titled “ups and downs” I commend that to you ~ but you can still continue reading this post without being lost.

During the “down time” (May – August) Wednesdays are a quiet and relaxing day (even those Wednesdays that contain council meetings in the evening).  My secretary is not in and the phone usually is quiet (knock on wood) and there are no classes.  On these Wednesdays I take my time getting ready in the morning.  I usually try to get to my office by 8am on Mon, Tues and Thurs but these Wednesdays I usually stroll in sometime between 8 and 8:30am ~ almost like I am getting away with something when Vicki isn’t here 🙂

During the “up time” of the year (Sept – May) Wednesdays can be crazy.  It’s then that I have release time and confirmation classes ~ and Wednesday Night Live is in session along with some adult classes.   During this time of the year the second Wed of the month is especially crazy with ministerial meetings at noon AND church council after supper.  Those second Wednesdays are long ~ where extra coffee is usually required.

Wednesday are unique and require a whole different mindset than Mon, Tues and Thurs (Friday’s mindset is, well, nothing as that is my Sabbath Day).  But as I mentioned in my previous post, I see “ups and downs” throughout the year as a gift from God to keep me fresh in ministry.  I am wondering if Wednesdays (during the “down time” of the year) are that “mini gift” each week to mix things up for me.  It is like a fueling station before I hit Thursday (my worship and sermon prep day).  During the “up time” of the year, Wednesdays are a weekly reminder that it is only by the grace of God that I can do all things.  I can’t risk getting complacent when I am teaching my kids and leading adult studies week in and week out.  Maybe, just maybe, Wednesdays (and especially those 2nd Wednesdays) are God’s way of kicking me in the butt each week; reminding me of his incredible faithfulness.  And I know that God is faithful because for 7 years God hasn’t failed me yet on a busy Wednesday.  Praise be to God!

So today I am preparing for a Bible study I am leading tomorrow and preparing for a wedding I am presiding at this weekend.  It’s a quiet day.  I might even clean up my messy office (but don’t count on that).  Thank you God for Wednesday’s and all those “Wednesdays” in our lives that you gift us with.  You never cease to amaze me with your faithfulness and love.

-edh-

Ups and downs

/ The Pastor

I never cease to be amazed at the ups and downs of pastoral ministry.  I am not referring to bad times and good times; joys and sorrows but rather the pace of ministry.

The month of August feels like a warm up run.  You know the real “workout” is coming but in August you are just getting ready.  There are no confirmation or release time classes yet, but I am busy making sure things are ready for the kids; working on the schedule and lesson plans.  Wednesday Night Live isn’t up and running yet but we are busy recruiting teachers.  Even though it feels like we are “off and running” it doesn’t feel busy or rushed…yet.

September hits and now one can say we are “off and running”.  Nearly every weekend is packed.  My weeks are filled with more lesson planning and Bible studies…which is on top off the sermon and worship prep (that is a constant in the weekly schedule).  Then of course in all this madness you have the occasional meeting, funeral and other surprises to make things interesting.  This pace keeps going through mid-May.

This faster pace is made even faster (and sometimes more crazy) with Christmas, Lent and Easter.  But just like speed work is good for a runner, these little bursts of speed in the year are good for the soul.  I mean, after all, it’s Christmas, Lent and Easter…my favorite times of the year.

May hits and all of a sudden things slow down to a crawl.  No more confirmation, release time or Wednesday Night Live and adult small groups take a summer break.  Now my schedule is dominated (in addition to sermon and worship prep) with more visiting and reading.  Reading is a nice change of pace (something I don’t do nearly enough during the rest of the year).  This slower pace maintains itself until August when the whole cycle begins again.

Currently we are in the slow pace (obviously since you know it is June).  I have knocked out a few books already and currently working on 3 more right now.  I am getting caught up on my visits.  And I am thinking about new and exciting things for the fall.  I like this slower pace, but I know I can’t stay in this pace forever…nor do I want to.

I am thankful for the ups and downs of pastoral ministry.  It is energizing and it is humbling.  It is energizing because I have more time to feed my soul during the down times and humbling because during the up times I am reminded that I only can do it by the grace of God.  And I think the up times come just in time because any longer I think I would risk complacency in my faith.

So for the time being I will enjoy the slower pace as I get ready for the faster one that will hit in September.  Until then bring on the books and the visits over a hot cup of coffee.  Fill my soul, O God, and let it overflow.

-edh-

All good things…

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

The above title was the title of the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation.  The day that episode ran was a sad day for me being a huge fan of the series, but as the title suggests all good things come to an end.

This past month of so (of inactivity on this blog) I have once again been doing some soul searching about the future of this blog.  I went through a period of soul searching not so long ago and decided to keep blogging.  I felt then that was what I was meant to do, but things are changing.  I am not exactly sure what it is.  It might be that this blog has just run it’s course.  But I think a larger part of my decision involves trying to focus more energy on my ministry here at Salem and Belmont.  I am a firm believer that to have a “successful” blog (and I am being careful to claim any success here), one needs to put a lot of time and energy into it.  And my energy for blogging is waning.  So I guess as the writers of Star Trek have said, all good things must come to an end 😦

My plan is to keep this blog active for those who stumble across the many ramblings I have posted here.  When comments are left I will respond (I get email notifications).  And who knows…maybe something will strike me and I will post something, but I am not going to commit to regular posting anymore.

There are so many of you out there that have been so encouraging to me.
When I went through dry periods, you hung with me.
When I had questions you put in your two cents.
When I needed to vent, you listened.
When I needed to flush something out, you where there.

I have learned a lot about faith from many of you.  Your comments to things I have written have challenged me and I will never forget that.

Thank you for this awesome experience and for sharing yourself with me and with the world on this blog.  I pray for God to bless your ministries as you serve this awesome God that we have.  And….I look forward to crossing paths with you someday…if not in this life then in the next, because as Christians…redeemed through the cross…we know that we WILL see each other again…so this is not “good bye”…this is only “see you later”.

So with that…until we meet again.  God bless!

-edh-

Bread is bread…right?

/ The Pastor / 6 Comments

I know that there are many various beliefs on what kind of bread “should” be used for Holy Communion.  Among the various beliefs is the popular notion that it must be unleavened bread.  I know scripture talks about unleavened bread.  I for one have never used it for Holy Communion…not that I am against it, I just haven’t used it.  Here at Salem we have used flat bread, bread machine bread, super market bread, bread bowl bread, wafers, etc.  My main criteria is that I don’t want any sliced bread.  But at our final First Communion class I asked the kids and parents if they wanted to make their own bread or just have me take care of it.  One of the students suggested that they would like cinnamon bread.

Hmmm…Intriguing…

…because bread is bread…right?

In Luther’s Small Catechism, Luther poses the question:  How can eating and drinking do all this? He then answers his question by saying “It is not eating and drinking that does this, but the words, ‘given and shed for you for the remission of sins’.  These words, along with eating and drinking, are the main thing in the sacrament.  And whoever believes these words has exactly what they say, forgiveness of sins.”  That says to me that bread is bread…and what is important is hearing the words of promise.  So…is cinnamon bread OK?

My faith tells me that it is OK…but I can see how some people might be a little put off and maybe even a little offended.  So with that I go back to Paul where he says that if eating meat causes someone to stumble in their faith, then I won’t eat meat (etc…).  Basically…he won’t exercise his Christian freedom in such a way that might cause someone who is weaker in the faith to stumble.  I can respect that.

But then I was thinking that I could explain the cinnamon as representing the “sweetness of Christ”.  I am not sure if that would fly.  So I don’t know.

Would you use cinnamon bread for Holy Communion or any other “usual” bread?

Just something I am pondering…

-edh-

Periscope up

/ The Pastor

I know I said earlier that I would be keeping a low profile for a while…at least until after Easter, but I feel the need to raise the periscope a bit and see what is going on.

For a month or so I have been submerged in life as Lent hit me like a ton of bricks…but in a good way.  I know a lot of pastors sometimes lament how busy Lent is; saying it is their busiest time of the year, but I think most would say that Lent is a very energizing time of the year (in a weird sort of way).   Even though I have felt drained from time to time I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.  I think part of that thinking is realizing that it is not my energy that sustains me but God’s.  As Luther says in his sacristy prayer, “…if this were left up to me I would certainly bring it all to ruin.”  And I have felt that way many times.  And…at times…I have even tried to do it myself almost bringing myself to ruin.  But fortunately I have faithful friends, family and parishioners that have reminded me of who is truly in charge.

Part of this “ton of bricks” has been leading a small group based on the Book of Faith book “40 Days with the Lord’s Prayer” (I say this simply because I have never lead a small group study during Lent before.  Sounds strange, I know, but we are in the process of revamping our education here at Salem).  Seventeen people signed up to take this journey together.  We work through the daily devotions each week, focusing on a petition of the Lord’s Prayer, then meet on Wednesday to review our week.  So far it has been an enjoyable experience to hear people share their faith.  Everyone has contributed to the discussion and we have learned a lot.  I look forward to leading more small group studies.

There have been other things that have been parts of this “ton of bricks” but I won’t go into all those details.  I think the main point for me is that these bricks haven’t crushed me because God is in control.  God has been faithful.  God has given me strength.  All of that is encouraging as I face a week of preparation before Holy Week hits.  Over all, Lent has been a blessed one for me…and I hope for others as well.  God has been faithful.

So with that I lower the blogging periscope and return to the busy world of Lent.  I thank those who have offered encouragement to me.  I thank those who have been understanding.  And I am grateful I have an outlet like this to share my thoughts and open my heart up to anyone who would want to take a peek.  God bless you this Lenten season and as you prepare to recognize and celebrated the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Praise be to God, always and forever!

-edh-

Exciting news!

/ The Pastor / 8 Comments

“Leadership in the small church”

When I heard about the above continuing education opportunity I was intrigued.  I serve two small congregations in SW MN.  So an educational event about leadership in a small congregation sounded good to me.  But then I heard it was at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.  At that point I lost some enthusiasm.  I mean…that’s a long ways and would be a spendy continuing education trip…something my congregation might not be able to afford (let alone me).  But the title still intrigued me so decided I checked it out…to satisfy my curiosity.  I learned that this opportunity was fully funded by a Lilly Grant (travel, lodging, pulpit supply…everything).  Now my interest was peeked again.  Then I learned that only 25 pastors (and spouses) are selected from across the country.  There was a lengthy application process for me, my spouse and congregation to fill out.  There would be homework before, during and after, but it would be something that would enhance my ministry, offer support for my wife and encourage my congregation.  It seemed like a long shot but we decided to go for it.

And oh by the way…my bishop is the one who put me on to this and encouraged me to go for it.

So I gathered a team from Salem to fill out the church’s part of the application.  I gave Connie her information and I went to work on mine.  We were all very excited but still reserved.  After all…only 25 couples get selected, but what did we have to lose.

I got my stuff turned in by the deadline (Dec. 15, 2009) and we began waiting…and praying.  We would know by sometime in early February.

Well…today is February 1.  The phone rings and on the other end is a woman from Virginia Theological Seminary.  I knew right then and there they probably weren’t calling me to say I did not make it…and I was right.

My wife and I are going to Virginia for the Summer Collegium at Virginia Theological Seminary (check out the link for more information); June 23 – July 1 of this year.  Out of 175 applicants we were one of 25 elected.  PRAISE BE TO GOD!  My wife and I are humbled to be chosen and excited for the opportunity; excited for us and for our congregation.  Now the real work begins.  A packet of information will be coming my way shortly and I am sure you will be hearing much more about this throughout the year.

For right now…Connie and I are super excited and praising God for this opportunity.  I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do with us (and our congregation) through this event.

Praise be to God!

To be continued…

-edh-

Strange sermon prep situation

/ The Pastor / 1 Comment

I am experiencing a strange sermon prep situation…

I have been a pastor now for about 5 1/2 years.  Over that time I have written many sermons (not including the ones I wrote during my year of internship) for Sunday worship, funerals, weddings, holidays, Lent, etc.  I guess one could say that I feel somewhat comfortable writing a sermon (even though I have my moments when I get stressed out).

But this week I am experiencing a first.

Today is Thursday and I have three sermons to write, but the strange thing is that I am writing 2 funerals sermons at the same time.  I have a funeral tomorrow (Friday) and one on Saturday…both out at Belmont.  I was working on these yesterday a little bit and found myself confusing the two; getting the two families mixed up.  I found myself working on funeral sermon #1 and then suddenly I would think of something for funeral sermon #2 and vice versa.  And all of this is in the context of trying to prepare a sermon for Sunday.  It should not be a big deal since the basic message of the sermon is the same, but when you are speaking and ministering to a particular group of people in a particular place in a particular context…it is definitely a big deal.  I know what I want to say for each sermon…I just need to pull the messages out of my head…untangle them and put them on paper.  Easier said than done.  God help me.

I just need to focus on one thing at a time.  I need to get to my office and get the funeral bulletins ready and then write my Sunday sermon (since Thursday morning is my normal Sunday sermon prep time).  After lunch I will work on funeral sermon #1 and only that one and then work on funeral sermon #2.  Hopefully I can keep everything straight.  It should be an interesting day.  And I pray nothing else happens to mess up my schedule (can you hear me chuckling).

In any case…say a prayer for me that I can stay focused and that the Good News is proclaimed.  I don’t want Satan to use this craziness to distract me from want needs to be done.

Have a great day and God bless!

-edh-

P.S.  Oh ya…and I have to try to focus on all of this while a winter snow storm is going on.  Oh well…it can never be too easy…can it 🙂

Another crazy week

/ The Pastor / 5 Comments

More winter storm madness on the way…

Christmas week was a crazy week with that nasty winter storm that dumped 20+ inches of snow on us.  It changed plans, canceled/postponed worship services and basically shut down SW MN for a couple days.  Well…round 2 is on the way…but not has big this time (but maybe more dangerous).

Wednesday, Jan. 6 we are in a Winter Storm Warning until Wednesday night and then a Blizzard Watch until Thursday afternoon.  Normally I would be giddy with excitement but I have two funerals this week.  There is family traveling (or trying to travel)…so now my prayers are for safety…once again.  What is it with winter weather and bad timing this year?  I just want to enjoy a snow storm without worrying about stuff going on at church.

In any case…please pray for these families as they travel and I will pray for a snow storm that fits my church (and personal) calendar a little better (I can dream…can’t I).

-edh-