Holy Cows, Pigeons! How could I have neglected you for all these many days?
Well, here’s how:
Church start-up season means that I’m meeting with everyone.
My dog is still recovering from surgery so I’m constantly taking him to the vet every time he squeals.
My staff and I went to a Marcia McFee retreat in August and are using the Worship Design Studio to plan worship series which is all very exciting and new and time-intensive as we now have rehearsals for worship and I am putting worship prep in my schedule IN PEN so that I do not spend my day off and Saturday nights frantically trying to prepare for Sundays.
I really dropped my worship prep “basket” last year for a number of reasons. First, I was still adjusting to the demands of a different congregation and much more administrative work and community involvement than I am used to. Second, I was very distressed and depressed by the constant revelations of racism and violence in America, and by the rise of Trump. I simply could not emotionally and spiritually manage to work much ahead of the Sunday in Befront of me. Third, I have been a preacher for a long time and I may have burned out a little bit without realizing it.
I find Marcia McFee’s method creatively fulfilling, spiritually and emotionally energizing, collaborative and fun. I recommend that you check her stuff out (no, we’re not friends and she’s not paying me for an endorsement). This is my 20th year in parish ministry and I am feeling really rejuvenated by her approach.
So that’s it for now, kids — there is always a lot to say but for now, let me say that PeaceBang is wicked busy but thinking about you all. Be beautiful, be powerful, be a strong force for the Good! MWAH!
Googled Marcia McFee. Great stuff. Thank you. God bless your rejuvenation, your faith community’s weekly worship, and the daily demands of schedule. It is HARD to get out of the cycle of urgency, but can be done…and must be done.