life is funny.

it was a giant "high" the first few Sundays. the numbers at church nearly doubled their normal attendence. i knew that they would drop after people had checked out the new girl. no big deal.

right.

the past 2 weeks attendence was down by about 25. still higher than the past few years but it felt awful just the same. i know that it's not about "me" but i can't seem to keep from worrying that i simply am not a good preacher and i will "run the church into the ground" or something crazy. my insecurities have kicked in hard.

thankfully, i was invited over to help "put up corn" this afternoon. it was great fun learning about blanching, corn cutting techniques, and how to properly freeze the corn. it really was! i met more of the church family and had a great time talking and listening to their stories.

now i can "put up corn" on my own and the sweet corn we couldn't finish eating tonight will not go to waste! in the cold of winter we'll now be able to remember and taste the goodness of this summer.

the highlight of my day, the thing that totally made me smile was hearing that my host's granddaughter raised her hands when she prayed and told her grandma to do the same. if nothing else a beautiful and sweet little girl thought it was good to pray "like me." how cool is that?

Comments

Terri said…
Ok. I've been at the solo pastor thing for about 7 years and in two different churches. So. First thing. There is nothing wrong with you. If you remember one thing it is this: NUMBERS DON'T MATTER. Numbers help, but they can not define us. CAN NOT. Mission and Ministry define us. So. Focus on missiom and ministry forget about numbers.

Secondly, you are doing everything right. Going to a "puttin up corn" event and coming to know the church family better, is really important. You want them to know you and you to know them.

Third, I worried ALOT that I was going to cause the demise of my former parish, which I did not...and I still worry that I will take this healthy parish I am now at, and ruin it....

So. We all worry, a bit, about that stuff.

But. We have to let it go. I mean we keep it there in the shadows to keep us on our toes and "honest"...BUT don't let the "fear" drive what you do, only let it inform you of what might be one possible outcome....

does that make sense?

And when all else fails, call in the professionals...which I have been known to do. (previously the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center,now a private mentor - consultant)

(they help)

Oh. And don't get anxious. No matter what. Analyze the anxiety for what it tells you. But don't get anxious.
Iris said…
(((revhipchick)))

I think it's great that you were included in the "puttin up corn." Sounds like fun!

Being invited into times like that is whta will bond you with thee folks.

You're doing great!
Patrick Moore said…
Truly remember that the world is your parish, not just the folk gathered on a given Sunday. Your influence will be felt through all the invisible webs of relationships that make up communities in which you pastor.

I loved the lectionary text this past week. You could almost see the disciples eyes glaze over with sleep from Jesus' preaching, so Jesus has to wake them up by asking, "Do you understand this?"

Somethings never change.
Anonymous said…
thanks for your thoughts and advice. i really appreciate the support.

i love you guys!

Popular Posts