Parish ministry, most times, can seem like a juggling activity. I quickly admit, I have never been very good at juggling, be it tennis balls, apples or other objects totaling more than two! I do, though, have 31 years of parish ministry experience and continue to…little by little… acquire the skills necessary to serve faithfully and, by the help of God, effectively.
I write this first entry of our Pastor’s Page in mid-March 2010. Today I am “juggling” as I am
planning our upcoming First Communion celebration (Maundy Thursday/April 1st during our 6:30 p.m. worship)
sharing the leadership of the Faith of Our Fathers Bible fellowship gathering tomorrow
attending the funeral for an 87-year-old friend and former Grace member
writing Pastor Powell’s Perspective on Grace and denominational matters, to be posted on the Grace Web site in coming days
fine tuning my sermon for the March 14 worship
continuing leadership of a gathering of more than three dozen Southern Ohio Synod clergy
preparing for a forum in the Grace fellowship hall at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 14, to provide opportunity for ongoing discussion related to recent decisions made by the EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America
creating and reviewing our order of worship for Good Friday, April 2
praying for a staff member home today with her ill child
understanding with humbling awareness that 8 days in the hospital brings with it the challenge of rebuilding strength and stamina.
This “juggling” is part of what makes parish ministry both fatiguing and fulfilling for me.It is such vitally significant news to us all that Jesus promised to “be with us always, even unto the end of the age.” It is such incredibly wonderful and necessary news to us all that the Holy Spirit will “remind us of all that Jesus’ taught.” It is such a source of great comfort and courage that when we pray we are promised “the Spirit will intercede for us with sighs too deep for words.”
I need the presence of Jesus.I need to be reminded of His teachings.I need the Spirit to speak for me, to be my Advocate, when prayerful words seem scarce.These are exciting days to be the body of Christ and I am thankful to be serving our Lord with you!
aniel M. Powell