Tuesday, April 10, 2012

I IS FOR INTERRUPTIONS — AND WHERE WE GO FROM THERE

The Times, They Are A-changing'

Yesterday was an interesting day.

Meaning? Though I have been retired for a while now, I have gone back to work. As of yesterday. I was with a group of people I knew. It was pretty much the case that they said, "Well?" and I said, "OK."

So, for the third time, I'm going to be serving as a temporary pastor of a big, downtown church in River City.

In my retirement, I decided to take take part in this congregation's life and work on a regular basis. Our minister has experienced some challenges with his health, and will be away for a while. And like the cardboard set in a broken window, I'll be the "substitute" until he returns. (Perhaps not the best image, but I cannot think of another at this point.) This is a congregation of people who I have known for about 30 years. Working there as minister feels like I have come home, again. And there are other clergy, retired or in other occupations, who are connected to this congregation. They are going to help with the work. My responsibility is to co-ordinate various activities, to be sure that someone is on hand to lead a variety of services (including weddings and funerals).

But . . .

This is going to mean a change to what I normally do. Until I adjust to my new circumstances, you may not see me in the blogsphere as often as usual. I'm not going away. Certainly I'm not going away mad. I'm simply "reconfiguring my activities." (Oh, isn't that a phrase?!) Meaning I'm changing my priorities for a while. There may be some interruptions in my blog presence.

Life Is Good

I'm not sure what will come of this, but I am eager for the challenge. I pray that this will be a blessing to the congregation, and to me. I would appreciate kind thoughts and prayers during this new venture.

Blessings and Bear hugs to you!

18 comments:

Kristy said...

I hope you get to enjoy your service. I also wish you the best with this. I'm sure you will do a good job as you are a kind bear and can speak with your heart. Iwould have to say the people are lucky to have you.

Diana said...

Hi Bear!
Being church secretary, I know all to well what being a Pastor entails. My Pastor takes one day a week off, or so he says! I sometimes think he does work on that day too! But he is always busy. People don't realize that being a Pastor is more than just delivering a Sermon on Sat. and Sun.
So if you are away from the Blogospere for awhile, I certainly understand. There's a lot of learning that comes before teaching. God's Blessing's to you in your endeavor. Love Di ♥

DJan said...

You have my wishes for this to be a successful venture for both you and the congregants. And Bear with it seems appropriate for this kind of interruption. :-)

ReformingGeek said...

Oh, beary good, Rob-bear! I will be thinking about your. Enjoy each moment.

Kittie Howard said...

Thanks for stopping by. Nice to meet you. A friend of ours was a chaplain in the military, retired into a civilian congregation that was quite rich and generous but which bored him to tears (as it was easier to donate money than do anything). So he changed churches and accomplished much there, but eventually retired to North Carolina, grew bored, and now switches home with a pastor in Florida several months of the year for a bit of continued work.

Kittie Howard said...

Thanks for stopping by. Nice to meet you. A friend of ours was a chaplain in the military, retired into a civilian congregation that was quite rich and generous but which bored him to tears (as it was easier to donate money than do anything). So he changed churches and accomplished much there, but eventually retired to North Carolina, grew bored, and now switches home with a pastor in Florida several months of the year for a bit of continued work.

Rubye Jack said...

Sounds like you have your priorities in good order with the change. Have fun with the new job Rob.

Helen said...

"J" is for juxtaposition!

Wishing you well, Bear.

Chatty Crone said...

I is for itinerant minister. I will be praying and thinking for you! I bet you bring a great message. sandie

Jackie said...

So glad that life is good.
The congregation is blessed to have you, Rob. Continued blessings to you, my friend.
Hugs,
Jackie

DL Hammons said...

Best of luck with your interruption! :)

Irene said...

I hope you enjoy your new responsibilities and that the stress is not too much for you. Take lots of little times out for yourself. Don't overdo it. Good luck!

susan said...

You most definitely have my good wishes in this endeavor. It's wonderful you're able and willing to take on this duty.

Bethie said...

It's a good interruption to have. Will have you in my prayers. Just found you on A to Z. Hopefully will see you again soon in Blogworld.

Beth Stilborn said...

All the best, Rob-Bear!

Peace be with you.


Beth
http://www.bethstilborn.com

Julie Daines said...

Wow! Good luck with this new venture! I'm sure you'll be a wonderful substitute.

Pat Carroll Marcantel said...

It's wonderful that you are able to take on this blessing. Such unselfishness keeps those embers of the Spirit within stirred up. All the best to you and yours.

That Janie Girl said...

Wow! How exciting! I know you're an inspiration to me, and I know you will be to others, as well!

Godspeed, my friend!