My First Sunday Ramblings

Today was my first official Sunday as a Lay Pastor.  I was nervous!  I've been providing pulpit fill at both of these churches as a Lay Speaker for 2 years and yet I still felt nervous this morning.  I couldn't figure out why at first but as I thought about it, it slowly dawned on me.  Before, I was only responsible for my little part in the service, and this time I was responsible for it all!

I think I worried that I'd somehow let them down.  I guess I still worry about that.  I've already made my first pastoral visit and my first hospital visit.  I want so badly to do right by both of these congregations.

I actually started on July 1st but we had already made plans to be out of town before we knew I would taking this position, so I missed what was supposed to be my first Sunday, but I was there some preparing during the week and have continued weekly duties.

So far I'm really enjoying myself.  I hope they are enjoying me too.  LOL  

Today's sermon was on BEING a good and COMPASSIONATE neighbor.  That's my goal in life, to be compassionate to all those around me everyday.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, trying to get settled into the new churches.  I've not had a job in years so I'm learning how to  juggle my family life and my work life.  It may take a few weeks of getting adjusted, especially as I work on getting settled and learning what is needed from me but I have every confidence that it will all mesh together nicely.

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Romans 8:28New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.