Time Out

Yesterday, I realized I've now been at St. James for 3 months. I realized this as I attempted to write a newsletter article, mentioning our annual congregational meeting. I had no idea if that annual meeting happens in January or February. Goodness, I'm green! At the same time, this 3 months feels like much longer than that. I am already feeling the internal push to get stuff going, ask what's changing, what's new, etc. But I'm still learning my way around, I'm still learning my congregation's story, and the stories of the people. I'm still meeting people and we're still figuring out how we do day-to-day ministry with each other.

But I anticipated this. Before I began my call at St. James, I anticipated that I - and maybe others - would get antsy about what we're doing and where we're going. I also knew that it's important to take time to get to know each other and how we can do things together. So, I created a 6 month plan that didn't have anything to do with outreach, evangelism, or anything brand new. After all, before we intentionally invite guests to join us in worship or Bible study - or any ministry, for that matter - it makes sense to get ourselves together, figure out who we are together.


So, I am reminded to take a Time Out. I was reminded this last week, when I spent 3 days in bed, sick. TIME OUT. The gospel lesson last week reminds us that to be followers of Jesus, we must trust our whole selves - and our whole futures to God. And sometimes, God does say Time Out. Relax. Focus on relationship, not the future. Trust the future is in God's hands.


I've decided, then, to let go of the anxiety. The time will come for us to do something different. But for now, it's enough to get to know each other. In God's time, this will change... and, God willing, we'll be ready. 


So I'm gonna take a Time Out, and continue munching on my secretary's candy... as I get to know the people at St. James. Sounds like fun to me.