Christ Church,
Yesterday I was in the church office preparing to leave for the day and realized I wouldn't be back in the office until September. It felt very weird to think I won't be in worship, or walking with you during life, or celebrating your accomplishments with you, or being with you in ministry over the next eight weeks. Weird and honestly a little anxiety producing. I love what I do. I can't wait to get to church on Sunday. I'm really not going to be here for eight weeks? What was I thinking? I know ministry is not my only identity. I am a dad and partner, and this means being present for my family.
I know I will have some learning to do being away; it will be challenging but also good growth for me.
Likewise, you as a community get to learn too. When a leader of any organization steps aside, there is a level of communal anxiety. How will that anxiety be experienced? How will you rely on other leaders? What are the ways you will respond to this anxiety with one another? Anxiety is not bad, it is a reality of our world, the learning is in how we respond to it.
The opportunity to step out of ministry and be with my family is not something I take for granted. Thank you to all who helped make this leave possible. I'm immensely grateful to the Staff Parish for approving time away, for the staff in picking up extra pieces, all the myriad of volunteers willing to help, and Rev. Megan Armstrong for leading in a new way.
Over the next eight weeks it isn't like ministry will end. The Seasonal Planning Team has a great plan for July and August. Missional opportunities. Education opportunities. Rev. Megan has come up with an exciting theme and sermon series, "Ordinary Prophets for Ordinary Time."
Check it all out
here.
T
he epistles will take a break until September 8th.
This Sunday join us for a celebration of the freedoms in our country, great music, and holy communion. I'll preach about the midwives of the Exodus story and what dreams we want to birth for our lives, our community, our nation.
May you have a great holiday weekend.
May you have an amazing season of learning about prophets and community this summer.
And may you know you are never far from my thoughts and love, especially at 3am feedings.
See you Sunday,
Rev. Eric