An Unexpected Gift

I met a retired pastor named Rev. Doug Deer at a church event back in October.  Not long after that, he called me to ask if I might be interested in doing some pulpit supply at a church where he was preaching.  Doug was having some health issues, and wanted to step back from some of his work there.  After giving it a little thought, I agreed to accept two Sundays a month.  I began preaching at Groton City United Church of Christ in December.

Groton City is a small country church, as Doug described, in the middle of a corn field.  There is really no corn, but it is surrounded by agricultural lands and farms and a few houses.  There is no city.  Many of the parishioners are farmers, or former farmers.  What they really wanted was their own pastor.  And as it has turned out, much to my surprise, what I really wanted was my own pulpit!

The church is small with a congregation of around twenty five on a regular basis.  It reminds me of the churches of my childhood.  I am totally at home there!

Since all of this happened, Rev. Doug Deer has passed away from a serious heart condition.  I am so very grateful to him for calling me.  It was unexpected.

I have always loved preaching.  You could say that it is my passion.  Other aspects of ministry---meetings, denominational expectations, finance, building and grounds, are less appealing to me.  Groton City has none of those demands.

What is so surprising to me is what a joy preaching is at this point in my life.  Like never before!  I think perhaps that is because worship is the primary focus. I do not have to attend district or conference meetings.  I do not have to report every detail of attendance and finance in statistical reports.  I can simply relate to the people and enjoy worship, which I do indeed.

I feel like an athlete who has returned to my sport after a long absence, and am now doing that sport for no reason other than the sheer thrill of it!

Perhaps the most important benefit is for Gerry, who has always so loved my preaching!  He is happy now.  He feels at home there.  He is delighted, as am I.

What an unexpected gift!  And I am so very thankful!