In a departure from what I usually write on a Monday morning, this week’s posting is not about yesterday’s sermon.  In fact I’m not going to write much at all because I’m anxious to get on with the rest of my day and week.  This week will look very different from the usual as I’m going to be away from church.  I plan to be at home mostly, reading and studying.  I hope to disconnect from the phone and e-mail, except for what is critical. 

Last week was a wonderful week in my life as pastor of Disciples Christian Church.  It was filled with people!  I had lunch with our CWF ladies on a sunny and breezy afternoon in a lovely backyard.  I was the guest presenter that same night at our Men of Disciples group.  The next evening I drove to Mansfield, Ohio to watch in support of one of our student music interns who was competing  in the Miss Ohio pageant.   On Friday evening, it was a drive to Broadview Heights to see one of our staff team who was a lead dancer in The Music Man.  I officiated a wedding on Saturday.  Preached on Sunday.  Add a hospital visit or two in the mix, and you have a typical week in the life of a pastor in a growing church. 

And much as I love people, this week I will be well served by spending some hours alone.  With David away fishing in Montana and me with no sermon to write this week (we’ll have a guest preacher this Sunday), it seems perfect time. 

And at the end of the week, I’ll connect with my children with a quick trip to Indianapolis.  That visit  will also help deepen the well of reserves necessary to do this work — the work I so love.

I’ll be in worship on Sunday both to lead and also to listen to a new and emerging voice of a young seminarian.  Have a good week.  And whether it is filled with meeting the needs of others or doing some much-needed self-care in order to do that work — know that God is there in every moment with you.   The God that is beyond us.  With us.  And within us.

Off to read the first of a stack of books calling my name — but first a walk before the air gets any muggier!

Blessings –

Pastor Kris