We can do this. Come to the party today to be in fellowship with others who carry this same task today. Come to share what you have and what you need. Come gather in our virtual upper room to get ready for what comes next. We're almost there!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
11th Hour Preacher Party: The homestretch
Here we go, Gals and Pals! We're almost there. We're almost to the Alleluias!, the white, the celebration, the joy. We're almost there, but not quite yet. We can do this because it isn't dependent upon us, but upon the Spirit of God. We can do this because we were baptized and called and equipped for this ministry. We can do this because we have experienced (at some point even if not in these exact moments) the overwhelming peace and and comfort that comes with knowing that Jesus lives, new life is here.
We can do this. Come to the party today to be in fellowship with others who carry this same task today. Come to share what you have and what you need. Come gather in our virtual upper room to get ready for what comes next. We're almost there!
We can do this. Come to the party today to be in fellowship with others who carry this same task today. Come to share what you have and what you need. Come gather in our virtual upper room to get ready for what comes next. We're almost there!
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Once the Tenebrae was finished last night, I just wanted Jesus to walk right out of the tomb. I've been so impatient this season!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm glad of a quiet day today. Don't have to preach tomorrow - it's a service of lots of other bits and pieces that will celebrate resurrection, so I'm happy about that.
So I'll spend the day catching up on house cleaning and packing for going away right after morning worship.
Giving thanks yet again for this community of fellow travellers.
Sounds wonderful! Enjoy your peaceful day!
DeleteUp early on Saturday morning to take advantage of the quiet before kids awake...and hoping to write enough that I can get to bed early tonight, so that I have a full night's sleep before the celebration. We will see. Also remembering that it was two years ago on Holy Saturday that I found this group, and how wonderful it was to discover "others who carry this same task."
ReplyDeleteHappy Revgals Anniversary! I missed the quiet in my house already, so I'm holding out for tonight.
Deletewell, finished the sermon, time to print, and finalise the PPT. I think I just have songs to include.
ReplyDeleteChildren's story is from
here Instead of the items mentioned, I have put pictures in each egg, and have a sheet for colouring with all the images I have used.
sermon is paying attention different direction to I thought it was going, but that happens :)
That definitely happens. :) Peace to you in your night!
DeleteGood morning, Gals and Pals!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long and sad week for me, and there is a sermon 3/4 written on this computer, a sermon that was going nowhere. I think that I am about to start completely over, without even a look at it, and see what happens.
Too early for me to consider breakfast, but you're welcoming to rummage around in my kitchen if you'd like.
Sometimest a start over either gets me going in a better direction or even just gives me the "good stuff" need to get my first effort back on track. Prayers for inspiration for you.
DeletePrayers laos for God's comfort in your saddness.
DeleteRobin, sorry for the sadness and the nowhere sermon.
ReplyDeleteI've got zero words and not much more motivation than that. Hubby has a funeral today (who schedules these things), so I'm not anticipating much sermon-writing time until after the girls go to bed tonight. In 13 years of ordained ministry, this is only my third time to preach on Easter, and the first time on the Luke passage. I think I'm going with the "idle tale" aspect, but who knows where the Spirit will take me.
We will be making a pecan pie later, to take to Easter dinner tomorrow, but as long as it's virtual, you can all have a piece!
I'll be with you here in the night. I had high hopes of writing early this year. HA! It never happened, so I"ll come over after our out of town guests leave for their hotel tonight. I've got a solid plan in my head, though, so I'm not worried.
DeleteMe, too, Esperanza! I've been hooked by the "idle tale" all week, though I have nothing on screen yet.
DeleteThis is my first time to preach Luke's account too, mainly because he's my 5th favorite gospel writer. The idle tale is fitting into mine, as is the question about looking for the living among the dead.
DeleteBut the call to remember is a dark horse theme coming from behind. In Luke, the women aren't told to tell the disciples. They are just told to remember. Which pisses me off (but that's another sermon) but it is occurring to me that we are all called to remember, and even if people tell us we are full of leiros, it is in our remembering that we proclaim the resurrection.
Fifth favorite? That's pretty far down the list!
DeleteThe remembering angle is intriguing, too. I think I'll try to save that for some other year.
Cookin' now. A completely different sermon. And I'm getting hungry, but I don't dare stop.
ReplyDeleteGlad of that. Comfort with the sadness.
DeleteI'm up earlier that usual. Have half an idea for a sermon that may work, but we'll see once I start writing. I've been captivated all week by the Luke's final passion image of the women watching Jesus' burial, and then going and buying spices so they can go back after the Sabbath and bury Jesus right. Something about not only looking for the living among the dead, but being so committed to the dead that you have to spend time and effort to honor it properly. IDK.
ReplyDeleteFirst, council meeting and getting ready for tomorrow's egg hunt. I plan on hiding some resurrection eggs and then using them for my children's time at the start of worship - sort of a recap for the C&E people ;) And I realized last night that I never finished the newsletter, and since I want it available I have to get it done' today. I think my article may just say: He is risen! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!!
Right now I'm just sad that what was going to be a leisurely day writing a sermon has turned into a full blown work day.
Coffee's just finished brewing and there's fresh sourdough bread for toast and chocolate Amish friendship bread if you want a sweeter breakfast.
I think that's a perfect newetter article. Almost did the same myself, but then right before deadline a staff member resigned, so that turned into my article. :$
DeleteI combined it with a graphic of the empty tomb, and a blessing. Perfect!
DeleteHere is my offering for tonight, part three of The Mary Passions. This three part series was co-written by three RevGals - Kate Hennessy-Keimig, Anne Wolf Fraley, and me - for use during Holy Week. They reimagine the story of Jesus' final days and the resurrection through the "memories" of Mary the Mother, Mary of Bethany (who anointed Jesus's feet), and Mary Magdalene. They have been really amazing reflections to offer. I look forward to offering Mary Magdalene's perspective tonight.
ReplyDeleteNow, off for a full day of preparing and setting up the church for the Great Vigil of Easter.
And then, one more sermon to finish for Easter morning.
almost there.
Almost there. I have loved your Mary Passions! I hoe you are getting a good response from your congregations aout them.
Deleteabout (of course)
DeleteOK. Finished. Going to let that simmer for awhile. A zillion times better than the piece of c--p on which I spent much of the week.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll get going and go out for some breakfast and then see how I think it would sound to the far away friend of the friend whose 19yos was killed in a car accident night before last. Having been, more or less, her, I realize that it would not sound like anything at all tomorrow. But what about in five years? That's the possibility I'm trying to maneuver toward.
Yea!!! Great job! Prayers for you as youy listen with other ears. Having not had such tragic experiences hit quite so close to home, I think and worry about how my Easter sermons sound in those circumstances every single year. I wonder if there's someone in the room thinking silently, "But honey, you have no idea."
DeleteStephanie, "But honey, you have no idea"--what a great place to start a sermon. Maybe not an Easter sermon and then again maybe so. Love that line.
DeleteI just put the eggs on to hard boil...still enjoy some colored eggs after all these years.
ReplyDeleteThe transitions in 'teh sermon' need some attention. They make sense to me but then I've been working this darn thing...so why wouldn't they. Will post "March Madness" when I get those sticky wickets figured out.
Probably after the fun with eggs and color...
I need to do that, too. Boil the eggs. My daughter and I bought a whole bunch of fresh veggies to try making our own natural dyes this year. Most expensive damn eggs we've ever made! It's going to be fun though.
DeleteHappy transitions!!!
I'm up but not yet moving. Lots of noise above me with the kids wide awake. It's swimming lesson day, so I'm getting ready to head out for that. Our out of town guest pseudo-grandma is coming with me since an adult needs to be in the pool area even during lessons. This will let me go upstairs to the treadmill and get my 3 mile run in without taking up more of our time today. After that the day is full of natural egg dy making, playing, and eating
ReplyDeleteHaving blogger/iPad problems again.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my sermon is completely unwritten, but very formed in my head, so I have no worries at all. I'm thinking about all the different reactions to the resurrection, not really any of them particularly enthusiastic and immediate belief, but thinking about how God raised Jesus from the dead before believed whole-heartedly
Just headed out for some groceries. Can I fetch anyone anything? I am so lethargic today but know that, come tomorrow, I'll be like that darned Easter Bunny, hopping around with a grin on my face - that's got me thinking again about "performance", and authenticity and all that. Is it just a part of doing what we do? Giving our all for others? Anyway. Back soon, hopefully with some goodies.
ReplyDeleteIt is part of what we do to some extent. Goes with the territory. Hope you find some goodies!
DeleteUgh - - before anyone believed wholeheartedly. I'm thinking about all the different reasons people come to worship on Easter morning, from strong faith, to habit or duty, and how the resurrection is for all of us no matter where we are on the spectrum. Resurrection community doesn't have to look like 110% faith and understanding, but can and does include those still trying to figure out what it all means. I see this as an invitation of sorts to come be a part of the community even when you think you don't belong or when you think we all get it all the time. We don't, and we need that among us, too.
ReplyDeleteOn a non-sermon note, I have a really strange, but horrendously painful problem with my tongue. It feels like it's ON FIRE and has teeny tiny sores all around the edge. They are sort of like those little inflamed taste buds you can get when you eat too much salty or sour food. Also it feels like I burnt my tongue, but I never did. It hurts so so badly. Thinking about trying to go into Quick Care to see if there's ANYTHING I can do. I've read online about some oral-safe lidocaine ointments and things like that. I don't know. It was so hard to talk for the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Thankful we don't have a Great Vigil. I couldn't have done that much.
Get thee to Quick Care...hopefully they will have stronger anti-inflammatory meds with topical anesthetics.
DeleteOh, Stephanie, that sounds excruciating. Hope you get something to help!
DeleteDoctor - quick! Sounds like shingles - had it in my mouth years ago! Hope that's NOT it.
DeleteStephanie, yes, get that looked at ASAP. What sucky timing for a weirdo thing like that. Well, for any kind of curve ball, really.
DeleteHugs -- gentle ones -- and love and prayers.
Good morning preachers. I'm sitting here with 3/4 of a sermon that seems to be going nowhere. All week I've felt positive about it, thinking I knew where it was going--now, not so much.
ReplyDeleteWas wakened at 7:15 this morning by someone pounding on my door; turned out to be be the florist wanting to deliver flowers to the church. Really? Someone told them "before 9 am." Went back to bed after unlocking the church, but apparently doing so didn't help my mood.
I feel like I've done nothing but whine here lately, but I am struggling with feeling the joy this year. Too much *stuff* at church, and really missing my family today.
I will feel better when I have a sermon, so back to it. And then on to the Great Vigil tonight--my favorite service of the year, and I don't have to be in charge because we are doing a Deanery wide service and the bishop is preaching and presiding. TBTG.
You can whine here, Rev. Dr. Mom. We get it.
DeleteAnd as wonderful and holy as these days are, I find myself -- do you? -- alternately emotionally charged and drained and feeling the pressure of high expectations for Easter Sunday.
I keep having to remind myself that Jesus has the best part, the biggest role, and I just need to trust that. Still . . . here we are with a job to do, too. And it feels pressure-ladened, no matter what else I tell myself.
Glad we are in it together, whines and laughter and all!
Thanks for the reminder Sharon! I like that - Jesus has the biggest role!
DeleteGot a fairly early start to greet the florist with lilies at the church, but have slowed down considerably. Have several things to do including the sermon.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Esperanza on the "idle tale" and pondering how to link that with Stephanie's thoughts about folks be in all different places. hmmmmm........
Sounds like a plan, RevTSB!
DeleteSermons done. For my Vigil sermon I am very much indebted to ideas from Nathan Nettleton and "God came back". They weren't going to get two different sermons, but I was so taken with that one that now they will! (Nice for those who come to both services, like the choir and wardens). The second is on the idle tale with many asterisks instead of the real meaning -- but they will get it!
ReplyDeleteColleague's funeral over. It's the first time I've been to the funeral of a fellow priest and it was quite moving, even though I didn't know him all that well.
Went over to the church and the flowers are beautiful. Our parish can't usually afford fresh flowers, but they have pulled out the stops for Easter and I'm proud of them.
Now for an early night as I have to be at church at 04:45 tomorrow for the vigil service which begins at 5:30. Ouch! My fault - I could have gone for midnight . . .
I would have gone for early a.m., too, Pat!
DeleteYou have had some challenges and lots to do. Your posts have encouraged me during this time. Thanks!
I have a complete draft. Don't love it; don't hate it. We'll see after it sits for a bit. Trying to talk about saying goodbye in light of the empty tomb, being connected in God's love. Something like that. Seemed like a good idea on Monday anyway.
ReplyDeleteNow must shower, finish the laundry and do something about a breakfast for the choir between services tomorrow.
I have been off for 10 months now on maternity leave - I agreed to come back this Sunday (still have two more months) to serve communion and I thought it would be a good trial run - am I crazy - I have forgotten how to write after all this time - lots of ideas in my head but as soon as I get them onto paper or the computer they are disjointed and discombobulated -
ReplyDeleteI am trying to use the beautiful hymn 'My soul cries out' which is the magnificat and talk about how Jesus life death and resurrection is the livng out of Mary's song and the world is about to turn and blah blah blah - that all I've got at lunch time. Hoping for some co-hesion soon.
Crazy in a good way, Heather Joan. Your sermon start intrigues me. I would love to hear more!
Delete"March Madness" here
ReplyDeleteCould anyone who has Betsy's John Chrysostom sermon email to me, please? lutheranjulia at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'll send it.
Deletejust sent it :)
DeleteThanks, ladies...I just saw this, mid-afternoon, so I am glad to know the need was met!
DeleteWhat's with blogger eating my comment before I was done?!
ReplyDeleteAs I was saying . . .
For you RevGals who are working with the "idle tale" aspect: peardownunder yesterday offered this link to a reflection on that part of the story. She claims that "idle tale" is a cleaned up translation and that what it really says is "that's bulls***!" She is saying that the good news message, preached full out, will be greeted that way. It's not you (us) that is pushed back on; it's the scandal of the gospel.
From the "Why NOW?" department: The place where I live had internet issues this morning -- again -- and my roommate just came through saying she's really sick. I don't think I snapped at her, but I did say something like "just don't breathe" which may not have been the most charitable thing to say to a sick person.
Not that I'm anxious or anything! (ack!) I do see going back to a solo living situation in my near future.
I have some tuna salad, homemade tomato soup and iced tea to share. Or hot tea if there is a chill in the air where you are.
I hope she will be gentle with you, Sharon, because I think every one of us understands exactly where your response came from! Wash your hands a lot...
DeleteThanks, Sharon, for that link. Helped to bring together some things for me.
Deletehey there preachers and pals! I'm an associate, which means I helped the youth put together the Good Friday service yesterday, will be on hand for the Vigil tonight, and then present and playing small roles in three services tomorrow. As a frustrated preacher, that is not as much fun as those of you who are trying to come up with your sermon ideas think it is! Although I know I would be anxious about tomorrow....
ReplyDeleteI DO need to come up with a children's sermon, hopefully based around these cute little resurrection eggs we got for the kids. I don't do well with children's sermons. Ideas appreciated! And in any case, prayers for all of you who will bring the WORD tomorrow, as you know, the HS has your back.
MumPastor, resurrection eggs sound great! (They wouldn't be included in my little rant below.) The symbolism of those would be great to review the story for kids. If any of them are readers, could you have a one-liner for some of them to read about what the symbols stand for?
DeleteJust realized what we have are not "resurrection eggs" per se, just a bunch of brightly colored plastic eggs with a plastic bracelet and a tiny storybook. So, back to square 1...
DeleteI found a Russian folktale that at least links the eggs back to Mary and Jesus here: http://biteintheapple.com/easter-rising/
DeleteI have dyed some eggs red, blue and yellow and intend share this folk tale with the children.
I like to pull out the Alleluia we hid at the beginning of the service, hand out little bells (like wedding favors)for the kids to ring whenever they hear the word "Alleluia" during the service. Then I teach them the Gospel Acclamation (Halle, Halle, Halle) using hand motions which I invite everyone to do.
DeleteMum, it is not hard to turn those resurrection eggs into something that will work; I am glad to go over what you might want to put in them to tell the story if you still need the help. In yesterday's posts, near the very end, I wrote a description of what I will be doing at our family service (it is the only sermon at that service, so I will be fleshing it out, but you could keep it tight if you need a short one). Another idea is to make up on poster board a mock newspaper front page with a variety of headlines: Much Ado About Nothing; "I saw nothing,"--Peter; Witnesses Report Nothing. That sort of thing, all plays off the empty tomb. Talk about how usually nothing isn't anything--give some examples--and is disappointing, but on this case, nothing is everything!
DeleteSince I don't have anything else to do today (HA!), I'm pondering alternatives to Easter egg hunts. I've never liked them, and now, with our kids, I really don't like them. Especially when they are church-sponsored. I guess I'm feeling like I am getting no support, from church or culture certainly, in teaching them the real story of Easter. It feels like there's more to work with for Christmas (Baby Jesus's birthday angle, for example). Anyone have any brilliant thoughts to join me in my avoiding the sermon?
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for avoiding the sermon!
DeleteI'm so glad you said that about Easter egg hunts. I keep asking myself: Why are we doing this? If it was the only Easter egg hunt the kids would get -- say, because we live in an impoverished community or with some other extenuating circumstance -- then it could be called a mission.
And I love the "secular" and "pagan" stuff around our holy days. It's just that, in the church, we have a specific mission that is to teach and live something that is often counter-cultural.
Alternatives? I haven't a clue. I personally do not relate to the "colors" and "symbols" of salvation that are often used to blend the Easter egg with the "true meaning" of Easter. Perhaps a "stations of the empty tomb" for kids?
Or, as MumPastor's church is doing, resurrection eggs that tell the story of Easter. Perhaps they could be part of a "stations" event, during (or instead of) Sunday School?
DeleteRight. I don't begrudge the neighborhood or whoever doing a egg hunt. I can choose not to participate. But I am, more and more, objecting to the church having one. True, I could choose not to participate, but there would still be the message that the church thinks Easter is, at least in part, about bunnies and eggs. I have the same problem with church and Santa.
DeleteI guess I'm getting crotchety in my old age...
We (our church) provide an Easter egg hunt for our community each year. There are many other egg hunts in a larger, neighboring community about 20 miles away. However, we always begin our hunt in the sanctuary where we lead prayer, songs, and provide the Easter message in a kid-friendly manner. This year, we had our monster puppets share, "What is Easter, anyway?" We close in prayer as well as invite everyone to Easter worship the next day. We get a LOT of children/families that are not involved in a church, so this gives us an opportunity to not only provide a service to the community, but to share the story of Jesus. It is a lot of work, but it is well worth it!
DeleteWondering if Stephanie went to the doc?
ReplyDelete(Praying . . .)
:) I didn't. Thank you. Just so much going on with kids and visitors and eggs and swimming lessons and running and.... The good news is that it feels better first thing in the morning. I'll use my day off to follow up with the doc and hope between now and then it's not something horrible.
DeleteI've been looking for resurrection around every corner since my dad died in August. As I sit down to write, I find that I'd prefer a Lazaraus-style resurrection instead of an empty tomb. Had a funeral earlier this week, lots of worship between then and now. May have peaked too soon with nothing left for tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePastor Lynn, there's a sermon in that contrast, I imagine. Perhaps for another year. So sorry for your loss and for the emptiness. Not easy at all.
DeleteHi all, so glad to read these posts as I struggle. Will definetly use the "Honey, you have no idea!" in the future. too good. but for tomorrow...IDK
ReplyDeleteI've been doing "Multi-voiced" (I recently discovered that's the name for what I've been doing...) AND the worship team suggested a 'visual' lectio this Sunday (THIS SUNDAY, honey they have NO idea!)
thanks to my art history daughter, the images were done, i've added the prompts for congregation so there may not be much time for a reflection. Anyway, I've been just pulling it out of the congregation but wanted a little more this week. Perhaps my struggle is to 'let go' and let the HS bring it on from the people. If only I were a bit more trusting, right?
Well there will be some notes on the paper thanks to David Lose's column at workingpreacher and a few ideas from Texts For Preaching. Back to it
At least the egg hunt, flower buying, and other distractions are done.
God bless the worship team!
DeleteGood idea, Nancy. Going to check out David Lose and see if there is any glue (or glitter) there for this sermon.
well, I've been to church to tulip-ify the cross/tree of life (pictures on my blog if you want to see). I've had my nails done (a Christmas/Easter event for me!). Now it's seriously time to get the sermon on paper. I think I have an idea but I'm waiting for the perfect opening sentence to come to me. Maybe if I make the dessert for tomorrow it'll appear? Or perhaps a quick nap would bring it to the front of my brain...
ReplyDeleteOr maybe I need to clip some cat claws, so they can sit on my feet without drawing blood? ouch!
Teri, I'm sitting here trying to pronounce "tulip-ify" because that somehow seems more interesting than finishing up this sermon. Emphasizing the second syllable seems to work.
DeleteIf you make dessert and share it with us, God will surely bless you, right?
Teri, I just looked at the pictures of your cross/tree of life. I'm so impressed. Did you create that yourself? It's really beautiful.
DeleteAnon, yes, mostly. Someone else sewed the roots attached the "trunk" (which is a fabric that looks like tree bark). Everything else I've done throughout the season--adding branches, adding leaves (which the Sunday School kids cut out), adding palms (and removing them again), adding butterflies and tulips. It has grown through all of Lent. It's awesome.
DeleteNeed to leave in three hours - not a word yet, but it needs to be short so I'm not yet panicked. Preaching and baptizing and celebrating at Great Vigil tonite then celebrating only at the two tomorrow. No one will remember the sermon tonite, right? Not after all the telling of our story, lighting the new fire, proclaiming the resurrection, baptizing a baby and then chanting again for the first time since Lent began... 5 minutes should be about right...
ReplyDeleteYep. Five minutes. You can do it, Amy! You always do.
DeleteBaptizing the baby is the sweetest.
Done - short and to the point. Prayers for all preaching and proclaiming tonight and tomorrow. May God be in the words from our mouths and in the ears of those who hear.
DeleteSharon -
DeleteIt will be sweet indeed - it is a family I know well and love wholly. The baptism will be the icing on the cake tonight.
I have a draft! (Is it too early to say "hallelujah"? Too soon?)
ReplyDeleteSo I may go see a movie. Right now enjoying a rare 70 degree day at the coffee shop (or my "office") on the patio.
Blessings to you all, especially to those of you who aren't feeling well and those who have been so busy and overwhelmed lately. Much love.
On Saturday, we can say "hallelujah" to get warmed up, right?
DeleteWhat movie?
Blessings to you, Marci.
Not sure about movie yet. Not really thrilled by the choices. Waiting for a friend to finish yoga and let me know preferences. At this point, I don't really care. Might even see GI Joe. I'm classy that way.
DeleteFor the children's time I am asking them how many crosses they see in the sanctuary. We have them in the corners of our stained glass windows, the ends of every pew, on every bible and hymnal. The large (and somewhat gaudy) brass cross is gone from the communion table so it is easier to navigate the elements.
ReplyDeleteThe plan is to tie the empty crosses into the empty tomb. I've got scratch art paper(thanks Amazon) to make crosses for each of them to take home and "scratch and decorate".
Look alike things and sermons are perking righ along. I'm heading out to dinner and will be back a little later to sermonizer. I'll say it even if Marci thinks I tight be too early - Hallelujah for our finishers!
ReplyDeleteI took a nap after the kids left for the concert, hoping I'd sleep a 20 minutes and be roaring to work on my sermon. I had some great thoughts drifting off to sleep, which alas were gone when I woke up 2 hours later! Must have needed the sleep.
ReplyDeleteBut that leave me with not a word written. I'm in a sermon dry spell, and it's starting to worry me. It's been weeks since I've felt energized and inspired by sermon prep and writing. Not a good place to be facing Easter Sunday!
I know and hate the dry spells! May there be peace and inspiration to see you through this one.
DeleteSpent the morning at the parish work party--and took pictures to post on FB as part of my entering the 21st century effort--and then took younger son to his martial arts belt test (passed!). Stop at Trader Joe's, texting with a friend, puttering around the house, lunch...everything but the details of my sermon :-o
ReplyDeleteHi everyone - I have an hour left in the office before I promised to be home - opened the sermon draft I wrote earlier this week just to tweak it a little and...it is TERRIBLE. What a MESS! Luckily, I cam here and read your comments and sounds like others of you are in teh same boat and have oared your way to shore by now. Grateful! Ok, back into the breach - just wanted to say thanks for being here!
ReplyDeleteand then there was a sermon!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to Stephanie/SheRev for the inspiration on this one--it was exactly where I hoped to go.
Now to make dinner. What are y'all in the mood for? I'm cooking!
Thanks for writing "our" sermon! I'll be y to read it and hopefully get inspiration for my own just after I finish playing Ticet to Ride with our visitors.
DeleteThat's "Ticket" and "by." I hate iPad + Blogger.
DeleteBoy do I agree with you about Blogger and the iPad; it is not a good match.
DeleteTeri, I'll eat anything you cook. I made tuna salad for hubby, adult children are all here and talking about going out. I think a 'draft' (not the sermon kind) would sound good about now...
ReplyDeleteOk, I have something decent enough so I can go home and relax with my family for a couple of hours. More of it was salvagable than I thought. (Perhaps the evening could include one of your drafts, Nancy - or I could share mine, I have yummy belgian beer getting cold in the fridge!)
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you, late niters. Joy will come in the morning!
It's 6:45 pm here and I'm just beginning. My bad. I left at 10 this morning and thought I'd be home in 2 hours. Ha. But the sanctuary looks amazing, the new music person has had ALL her questions answered, as well as the altar guilt, and I purchased and laid out breakfast for the choirs and musicians for tomorrow. I have dozens of itty bitty bubble containers adorned with a cross my last admin assistant ordered for me. I couldn't tell you why. Trying to figure out how to turn THOSE into a children's message. Joy?
ReplyDeleteAnd now it's time to sermonate. We've been doing the questions Jesus asked throughout Lent. Tomorrow's questions is, "Whom are you looking for?" -which sounds stuffy, so I retitled my sermon, "What happened here?!" (Not a questions Jesus asked!) I'm using the Luke text. I'd rather just "do Easter" rather than the Lenten series, but I'll see where the Spirit leads. I hope she speaks clearly and loudly this evening, as I'm tired like the rest of you! Peace, sisters!
okay, I'm having herb-and-parmesan crusted polenta cakes on a bed of sauteed kale, topped with a black-bean-roasted-tomato ragout. Come on over.
ReplyDeleteif only it weren't Saturday, there would be wine.
On my way, Teri. Sounds much better than leftover pizza (though it was originally homemade, it suffered in the reheating).
ReplyDeleteHubby made better progress than I expected, so he's putting the kids to bed while I sermonize. I've got a decent start, so hopefully it will come easily.
I think I have completion. There will be some tweaking (no freaking!) tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteA little hot herb tea sounds good right now. Join me?
A very blessed Easter Day to each of you!
Facebook and Twitter are unusually enticing tonight. Or is it just me? Oh.
ReplyDeleteHome from Easter morning service, lower than attendance than a regular Sunday. A few visitors, but lots of people away for the weekend. this year, I haven't felt like Easter so much, not sure what it is. so services have been a bit more low key, but still well received by the congregation. Maybe I am not the only one who is tried.
ReplyDeletethe Easter egg 'hunt' went well. The visiting grandchildren don't go to church, so putting the story together was with pictures was good.
if you are looking for a children's time still, I used empty plastic eggs that come apart and put pictures from the Easter story in each one, hid them around the church before the service started, and the children got to find them, and I told the story, very simply, from the pictures. I wrote down the colour of the eggs, so I had them opened in the right order, but the place I got the idea from said to number them. Probably depends how many you have. The last egg I left empty for the empty tomb.
All the best for those still writing,
It's good my laptop is fully charged - we just lost power as I was posting my sermon! Fortunately, beside feeling very isolated for a few minutes and having to go to the basement to reset the router, no damage was done.
ReplyDeleteSermon is posted here. I'm not really happy with it. This may be a Sunday where I ad lib - a lot. I think I'll walk away for a little bit and come back and hopefully revise.
Vigil Service complete -- the exactly eight people who came loved it. I could do without the sunrise service, but I bet there will be 35 people there.
ReplyDeleteSermon up; going to read something completely unrelated and go to sleep early.
Call me Easter Scrooge, but I hate sunrise services. Giving thanks that my congregation ditched the one we've only been doing 2 or 3 years.
DeleteSermon done. Not horrible, but it could probably be better with a bit more time and brain power.
ReplyDeleteWorking on the invitation to the table. This particular supply congregation *loves* the way I preside at the table. Which is hilarious, because I'm pretty sure I do it differently every time. The first time we shared communion together, I wrote (or made up on the spot, I don't remember) a special invitation that coordinated with the message of the sermon. They loved it, so now I write a new one every time. Walked right into that, I suppose!
That and a prayer, and getting all my stuff in the car tonight, and getting the pie and all the kids' stuff together, and a few dozen other things, and I can go to bed.
If I finish stapling the newsletters, I think I may just be done for the night. What ever I haven't gotten done, just won't be done. Easter will come and God will be praised without it!
ReplyDeleteNo wine for me this evening, but I think I'll treat myself to some black cherry frozen yogurt and an early (for me) bed time!
Anyone still up? I got home from the Vigil a bit ago and am trying to settle down and write tomorrow morning's sermon. Ugh. All I really want to do is go to sleep. And in about 17 hours, I can.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you folks with Vigils do it. I always hold you all in prayer and awe.
DeleteYou know, I didn't start the one at my current church, and I very intentionally did NOT start one at my previous churches, because I knew I needed every minute possible before Sunday morning (plus they were upfront that they would not come to it). Now that I am serving a church that has a Vigil(with a semi-small but strong core following), I do love it and it's a lot of fun, but MAN it makes for an exhausting night. And we don't go half as long as many others do!
DeleteStill trudging along myself semfem...
ReplyDeleteI am here too. Do I want to do a first person monologue? If so, then I am ready to go to bed. If not, then I have a sermon still to write. My parents are here, the bunny cake is almost finished being decorated, the eggs are hid for the kiddos.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I am still out here working away as well. My Dad died this week...I was with him...took care of him...and I find myself strangely with everything and nothing to say come this Easter morn. Will send up prayers for all of us still working...Come, Holy Spirit, come. And thank you all for being here...virtual community and connectedness.
ReplyDeleteHolding you in prayer this night!!
DeleteToday is the anniversary of my dad's death. It's been years, but it is still a day of remembering for me. Prayers for you in the freshness of grief as you search for the word of hope to offer the people you serve. I'm nearing the finish line with my sermon. Peace and clarity to you!
DeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine how it must be to juggle church and family obligations during this week. I'm emotionally exhausted as it is, without anything other than work on my plate. Can't wait for 11 am to be here and for the holy nap!
DeleteI can't imagine being in your shoes tomorrow, anon...but I am praying for you. Yikes. Peace be yours.
DeleteOh...prayers for peace and for strength.
DeletePrayers for you, and prayers that at some unexpected moment tomorrow you will feel yourself connected to him through the resurrected Lord and the life he gives.
DeleteI'm just getting here. The friends have headed back to their hotel after a great game of Ticket to Ride. Great, not excellent. I didn't win. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm giving myself 12 more minutes to mess around a bit, then I'll get this sermon that is my head out on the computer. At least that's my hope and plan. THANK GOD we ditched the early service we have had for a few years and are just going with our regular worship time. It may be a mistake in terms of seating capacity, but since NO ONE made any effort to advertise our worship times, I'm not expecting a huge "extra" crowd. We'll see.
I could go to bed with a completed sermon. Here's hoping that happens!
I am back from a great Vigil. So nice to be part of one and not have to be in charge. However not one single person from my congregation showed up. (It was a joint service shared by four churches). Sad they missed it.
ReplyDeleteEating a bowl of yogurt and fruit for a later dinner and then to bed....so glad I finished tomorrow's sermon before I left!
Hallelujah, Christ is risen!
Giving thanks to God, with joy, for each of you dear RevGals. May the Risen Lord be with you wherever you are or whatever your calling is on Resurrection Sunday. Christ is Risen!
ReplyDeleteChrist is risen indeed! (I think I just cheated by saying that since I don't have a completed sermon yet.)
DeleteVery cool! The article I was interviewed for and the video they shot of our Lent Taize service (for the website) is up on line. If you need a distraction, it's here.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great Vigil tonight...one of those times when it all comes together just right. Best of all was coming home to discover younger son had made fabulous big chocolate chip cookies. Anyone still up is welcome to have one, and there's milk in the fridge!
ReplyDeleteI'll take one as I head to bed! Glad the Spirit tied it all up for you!!!
DeleteHeading to bed for a few hours before I come back to finish my sermon. The classic thing I just realized? I don't have a clean shirt in the morning. Of course.
ReplyDeleteI guess the Easter bunny doesn't show up to do laundry...
ReplyDeleteNope. :( I dug real far back in my closet to find something not to great, but at least it is clean. I figure I'm in the robe most of the time anyway and the likelihood of my kids getting syrup all over me at the Easter pancake breakfast is pretty high anyway. Why wear something good if it's just going to get sticky?
DeleteTime to finish the sermon....