Friday, August 17, 2007

Conversation regarding Christian Practices

During the summer when Parkview FMC had a few different people filling the pulpit and no appointed pastor, they went almost three months without celebrating the Lord's Supper.

So, it seemed fitting that we celebrate this sacrament the first Sunday that I was here. It also occurred to me in the midst of this that there is not a lot of appreciation regarding our practice of the "Lord's Supper."

From this point on, I thought it might be nice to bring people together and talk about it. We read one section of the liturgy, sit in silence for two minutes, then we ask questions. It is sometimes very difficult for people to ask questions instead of making propositions. Yet, in spite of a bit of discomfort, there are a lot of great questions. I like this format because it helps all of us look at the words as if for the very first time and ask God to speak to us through them. It is a good exercise in discovery! And great fun!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Settling in Vandalia

This is now my kitchen. This room along with most of the house is practically new. It has new plumbing, electric, a/c, appliances, windows, flooring, cabinets, doors, fixtures, and paint. It is absolutely fabulous!

We moved our stuff from the basement to the main floor Saturday night with the help of at least ten men. It was almost frightening the intensity that these men displayed! We kicked everyone out around 3:30 p.m. and began unpacking and settling in.

Saturday evening we slept in our own bed. One man at church said something like "what was it like sleeping in your own bed after having been a gypsy for 10 weeks?" My reply: "unbelievably good!"

Sunday was my first Sunday in the pulpit. We celebrated the Lord's Supper during worship and had a enormously scrumptious pot luck after church. The church also showered us with a lot of food to stock our new pantry.

"YA'LL are invited to come and see!"