All of a sudden, I find myself in the position of being clergy on call in multiple ways. Being "on call" is, of course, being uncertain about what might happen from one minute to the next. The "on call" nature of full time ministry was one of the things I was happy to leave behind when I retired. Of course, we all know that I have decided that I'd rather not be fully retired, so am always striving for that right balance somewhere in between.
The Senior Pastor is going to be away for two weeks studying for his doctorate. I'm on call to cover whatever might come up. He came to talk with me this morning, and his father in law is now not expected to live more than two weeks. That adds a whole level of uncertainty for him, and for me. Will I have to lead the worship service on Sunday on very short notice? Do I need to prepare for that? Will I need to cover the funeral he has scheduled? That all depends on how long his father-in-law lives. For Senior Pastor J, it is a time when everything seems to all happen at the same time; family crisis, continuing education, confirmation, etc. etc.
Then I got an email just now reminding me that I agreed to be a "pastor on call" while a clergy colleague in a nearby community is taking paternity leave. I had completely forgotten about that. Hopefully, my services will not be needed too much. I'm confident that won't happen.
But I am also confident that I can probably cover whatever needs may come up, with God's help!
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