I think the best answer is that it was a response to a summons. Over the years, I've read volumes on the topic, but none better than this reflection from Sam Keen:
"I am lucky enough to have work that fits skintight over my spirit. I hardly know how to separate work from self. Even when I subtract the long hours, the fatigue, the uncertainties about money, the irritation of having to deal with a million details, the long hours in the limbo of jet planes and airports, the compromises I have to make, the sum is overwhelmingly positive.
I don't know who I would be without the satisfaction of providing for my family, the occasional intoxication of creativity, the warm companionship of colleagues, the pride in a job well done, and the knowledge that my work has been useful to others.
But there is still something unsaid, something that forces me to ask questions about my life that are, perhaps, tragic: in working so much, have I done violence to my being? How often, doing work that is good, have I betrayed what is better in myself and abandoned what is best for this I love?
How many hours would have been better spent wailing in silence in the woods or wrestling with my children? Two decades ago, near the end of what was a good but troubled marriage, my wife asked me: 'Would you be willing to be less efficient?'
The question haunts me." (Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man by Sam Keen)
Our 11:00 traditional service will enjoy the privilege of installing Grace Lindvall as Associate Pastor for Education. We are beyond fortunate to welcome to our pulpit (at 9:30 and 11:00) the Rev. Michael Lindvall, who, along with being Grace's father (his highest distinction!) is the recently retired pastor of Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City.
Rev. Lindvall is an accomplished preacher and writer. Among his numerous books, my favorite is A Geography of God: Exploring the Christian Journey. I commend it to your reading.
Ian Clark, our Pastoral Resident for Education, accompanied by our lovely Chapel Choir (if you haven't heard them in the Chapel, you're missing something!) will bring his considerable thoughtfulness and preparation to the Chapel service at 8:45. You can prepare by reading this passage.
At 10:30, we'll host a congregational meeting in the Sanctuary for the purposes of presenting the budget and voting on proposed changes in terms of call (Presbyterian lingo for what everyone else understands as compensation). And, of course, we'll continue to build on the energy and excitement of the 11:00 service in the Fellowship Hall. If you haven't experienced this newly-designed service, I invite you to try it. I think you'll find it fresh, intimate, and welcoming.
Worship at all Covenant services this weekend will be marked by excellence and joy.
Come, and bring a friend.
