June 29, 2007

Clergy, Clergy and More Clergy

Well, this is day two of MCC's Clergy Conference and we are having a great time. Debbie is enjoying the pool while I am learning how to care for self and souls. The sermon this morning was so funny....which is hard to believe since church begins at 8:00am. And for those who think conferences are vacations, the evening service begins at 7:00pm. So we begin and end each day with worship and the only free time in between is for meals. But what a unique opportunity to set and worship and to network with others.

Yes, it is very hot here. And forget that nonsense about "dry heat" as that does not seem to make it any better. I am glad I had a tan already or I would be sun burned from walking to and from the meetings. Every now and then we get lucky and little carts comes by offering rides to the meeting places. Believe it or not, people are out playing golf in this heat as well.

Last night's sermon was delivered by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Pastor of MCC New York. She did a great job reminding us of the promise from scripture that when two or more of us agree something, it shall be done. She also challenged us to look at the situations in which we do not agree and to consider how agreements could be reached if everyone involved was willing to give up something. That really made me think. So many possibilities would become realities if all parties were willing to give a little.

The next time you face a situation in which you and someone else are not in agreement, stop and think about ways in which you might be willing to give in so that agreement can be reached. Just think how our world would be different if we learned this as a life skill as children. Maybe there could be peace on earth.

But as with the tango, it takes two....or more, never just one. This is not about giving in to the wishes or ways of another, but finding common ground on which all parties involved give up something for the good of all. I know I am going to try harder to do this at home, work, and even play. That may mean I have to learn a new Wii game...but so will Ryan.

Back to this mornings sermon. Our scripture reading was from 1 Chronicles 23:25-32. We were reminded that it more than okay to ask for help, it's the right thing to do. When super-pastors try to do it all, they deprive others of opportunities to serve. So, even though I have the delegation thing going, I am going to look at areas in which I can give more ministry away. Particularly in the area of worship.

As we move into our new worship space, more help is going to be needed in the ministry of worship. If you have served in the past, please pray about serving again. If you have wanted to serve but weren't ready, pray and see if this may be your time. Training will be offered soon and I hope we have a record number of people willing to train and serve.

I just looked at the clock and it's time for me to return to the meeting room. We are going to learn more about forgiveness this afternoon. I hope to post more this evening or in the morning.
Most of all, I hope to return with a renewed spirit and new information to share.

Peace and blessings,
Sandy

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