I haven't been acting or feeling especially righteous lately. But isn't that just the way providential grace works. You don't deserve it, but then again, there it is. Just give thanks and accept it man.
Sue has been on sabbatical for a year-plus from her work as Director of Children's Ministry. After many long hours, little understanding or support from fellow staff and contradictory directions born of greater anxiety imbibed by her supervisor, she was feeling the need to catch her breath and catch a break. I knew it, she knew it, God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost all knew it. She was offered 30 pieces of silver and the left foot of fellowship and she was done with all that unholy mess at the last vineyard of bitter grapes where she toiled.
She had enjoyed the rest and recalibration that came with the shedding of her herculean responsibilities. She was not really looking for anything new on the job front, though she would toy with possibilities before smelling a familiar scent of mendacity and anxiety. She wanted no part of more such church work. Then a call came from a friend who once toiled in the same vineyard of sour grapes with her. Her friend, now in a new and much better position, had the occasion to speak with the new pastor at First Presbyterian in Garland. He and the congregation were looking for some help with running the programs for youth and children. Sue's friend asked if she could recommend her to the pastor? Sue figured, wouldn't hurt to talk, right?
What followed was a phone interview with the pastor. She liked what she heard. Then a meeting with the committee looking to fill the position of Director of Youth and Children's Ministry. She says that during the interview, they were finishing each other sentences. They all shared nearly the same vision, direction and desires for position. A few weeks later they asked her to come in for a second meeting with the committee and the pastor. She arrived, they offered her the position and received her willingness to come to work with them with great joy. Then they offered her a 10% raise above what the advertised position had listed. God is Good.
She began work on September 1 as a part-time employee, meaning she puts in a half day on Sunday, plus a full day on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Hours are somewhat flexible. She loves the small church culture at FPC Garland, the congregation is full of volunteers and hard working people. The group there very much owns their faith and their actions; not needing a staff to do what they hope to have done, but rather, do what needs to be done with support from the staff. A very healthy sign. They are heavily involved with local mission, handing out 25 free sack lunches to the homeless and working poor every weekday morning and feed 180 to 200 people at a free breakfast on Saturdays. FPC Garland has a large contingent of immigrants from the Cameroon and an association with a South Asian Presbyterian Church that is composed mostly of Afghani Christians.
They are a church excited about rolling up there sleeves and doing the Lord's work. She has hit the ground running and has offered many ideas for those governing the church to consider. She is very pleased to be taken seriously and have her counsel and experience held as a positive contribution. In fact she has already been tapped to take the pulpit later in October to lead worship and preach. With a second preaching opportunity coming on the last Sunday of the year. She loves the way providence has smiled upon her and she is ready to join in and do God's good work for His people.
And all the people say, Amen.
Sue has been on sabbatical for a year-plus from her work as Director of Children's Ministry. After many long hours, little understanding or support from fellow staff and contradictory directions born of greater anxiety imbibed by her supervisor, she was feeling the need to catch her breath and catch a break. I knew it, she knew it, God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost all knew it. She was offered 30 pieces of silver and the left foot of fellowship and she was done with all that unholy mess at the last vineyard of bitter grapes where she toiled.
She had enjoyed the rest and recalibration that came with the shedding of her herculean responsibilities. She was not really looking for anything new on the job front, though she would toy with possibilities before smelling a familiar scent of mendacity and anxiety. She wanted no part of more such church work. Then a call came from a friend who once toiled in the same vineyard of sour grapes with her. Her friend, now in a new and much better position, had the occasion to speak with the new pastor at First Presbyterian in Garland. He and the congregation were looking for some help with running the programs for youth and children. Sue's friend asked if she could recommend her to the pastor? Sue figured, wouldn't hurt to talk, right?
What followed was a phone interview with the pastor. She liked what she heard. Then a meeting with the committee looking to fill the position of Director of Youth and Children's Ministry. She says that during the interview, they were finishing each other sentences. They all shared nearly the same vision, direction and desires for position. A few weeks later they asked her to come in for a second meeting with the committee and the pastor. She arrived, they offered her the position and received her willingness to come to work with them with great joy. Then they offered her a 10% raise above what the advertised position had listed. God is Good.
She began work on September 1 as a part-time employee, meaning she puts in a half day on Sunday, plus a full day on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Hours are somewhat flexible. She loves the small church culture at FPC Garland, the congregation is full of volunteers and hard working people. The group there very much owns their faith and their actions; not needing a staff to do what they hope to have done, but rather, do what needs to be done with support from the staff. A very healthy sign. They are heavily involved with local mission, handing out 25 free sack lunches to the homeless and working poor every weekday morning and feed 180 to 200 people at a free breakfast on Saturdays. FPC Garland has a large contingent of immigrants from the Cameroon and an association with a South Asian Presbyterian Church that is composed mostly of Afghani Christians.
They are a church excited about rolling up there sleeves and doing the Lord's work. She has hit the ground running and has offered many ideas for those governing the church to consider. She is very pleased to be taken seriously and have her counsel and experience held as a positive contribution. In fact she has already been tapped to take the pulpit later in October to lead worship and preach. With a second preaching opportunity coming on the last Sunday of the year. She loves the way providence has smiled upon her and she is ready to join in and do God's good work for His people.
And all the people say, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment