Visit our new site at revgalblogpals.org.

Saturday, July 06, 2013

11th Hour Preacher Party: The Peace of Galship

My blog has been generally pathetic lately, and I haven't yet participated in the RevGal Carnival. However, I'm going to pretend that's been by design.  Bear with me. :)

My first introduction to the RevGals was through the 11th Hour Preacher Party. I have no idea how I found it one late Saturday, but I give thanks and praise to God (no kidding) that I did.  I remember the night very clearly.  I was an associate at the time and only preaching once a month-ish. I knew I was soon going to be looking for a solo call where preaching would be weekly.  At that stage of the game I had been berated (by others? by myself?) for writing sermons on Saturday night/Sunday morning. I thought for sure I would have to change my rhythm to get it right. 

What a blessing it was at just the right time to find the 11th Hour Preacher Party! Some of us come to the party regularly and calmly because this is our writing rhythm.  Some of us come to the party occasionally and frantically because a crazy week has prevented us from writing earlier. Either way I give thanks to God that the party is a place of peace (and delicious virtual doughnuts!), a port in the storm that ministry sometimes is, and a Holy Spirit dwelling-place where sisters and brothers walk with each other, hold each other up, and craft our messages together for our people. 

My strongest personal experience of the "galship" of the Preacher Party came a couple of years ago when I came down with strep throat throughout the day on Saturday.  As usual, I had a general idea of where my sermon would go, but I hadn't written a word yet.  At about 6:00 pm, with the support and ministry of my fellow partiers to me, I realized I couldn't go in the next morning.  I few of us Gals and Pals had already finished sermons so I read around, found the one that came the closest to where I planned to go, then contacted that gal for permission to share that sermon with a ruling elder to preach.  Without missing a beat she gave us full permission.  Without hiding a thing from my church, but instead celebrating this very real albeit virtual community, that sermon was preached the next morning in the congregation I serve quite a distance away (but thankfully, because of the football reference, still in the same state). It was such peace that was offered to me in the encouragement to stay home.  It was such a peace to know that someone was willing to share their ministry beyond the bounds of their own call and into the bound of my mind.  It is such peace that is given each to each time I come to this party where I am reminded that no matter what I am doing, I am not alone. Beautiful!!!

Join the galship in the comments this weekend.  We looked forward to welcoming newbies along with the regulars!

Peace,
Stephanie

137 comments:

  1. Thanks for your testimony, Steph!

    I really needed to have a sermon by now. I'm about to go to bed and get up ridiculously early so I can go be in the parade with the rest of the church (there may or may not be a disney princess tiara involved). Then I have a drumming class downtown in the afternoon, so it'll be dinnertime by the time I get home. I've spent two days trying to write a sermon, to no avail. So, dear sermon fairy, i really need you to appear ASAP between the parade and class tomorrow.

    This week's hymn requests (I'm doing a series that puts together people's favorite hymns, as they submitted them, into broad themes) are How Great Thou Art, Lift High The Cross, Come Labor On, and They'll Know We Are Christians. And of course it's a communion Sunday. So I'm reading the "ask for laborers to be sent into the harvest" and "faith without works is dead." I suppose I had some sort of idea about being met at the table and sent out to do what Christ did ("come, christians, follow, where your savior trod..." and, you know, ALL of Come Labor On). But I'm having a hard time getting a beginning, so nothing's coming to me.

    Maybe I need some kind of example that would also tie to independence day? Since the town festival runs all weekend, if I'm going to mention it this is the moment...hmm.

    AND the CE director is off this sunday, so I need a children's time too. oy!

    Hope you all have restful nights and inspired mornings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. with the Luke reading, maybe something about working together - many children will be in sport teams or study groups. Jesus sent people out in pairs, not alone. I remember one Girl Guide Camp - which is a loooong time ago for me. The leader took a twig, gave it to one of us, easy to break, 2 together a bit harder, 3 together can't break. we are stronger together than individually. if you don't have twigs nearby, maybe skewers or matchsticks.

      Delete
    2. Come Labor On was someone's favorite hymn??? Hmm.

      Delete
    3. RIGHT???

      pearl--I've seen that children's message before. That definitely has possibilities. Thanks!

      Delete
    4. Now I've got an earworm. Thanks. The refrain isn't too bad, but the verses....

      Delete
    5. I like the idea of the preaching on sermons but really Labor On? That fit the lectionary a couple of weeks ago about the hand to the plow, I would think. Labor on? That is even a hymn?

      Delete
    6. LOL! I harbor an unholy love for "Come Labor On." I can remember putting it in the suggestion box for hymns many times as a child. Yes, a church geek from WAAAAY back. It's such a dirge but I love the lyric and the minor key. :) We would always sing it on Labor Day.

      Delete
    7. As long as you can admit you have a problem, Mary Beth :)

      Delete
    8. Yes, Mary Beth:)
      Now I have to go find the hymn and listen to it.

      Delete
    9. This is one of the best "Galship" stories ever! because it speaks to the essence of how we do ministry together knowing the vulnerabilities of sickness and that the Word still needs to be proclaimed; Like Songbird going to preach when St Casserole said "we are too weary." What I hear over and over as I hear a woman tell her story to women who listen is "of course you did" or "I wish I had been there to help you" and there is an affirmation of who we are that goes in deep and calms us because we find an acceptance like no other.

      Sarah

      Delete
    10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsuXVzG3OuI here's a link to Come Labor On. Lyrics are here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comlabor.htm

      it can be a terrible dirge...but also lovely.

      BTW I was a pretty weird kid. :)

      Delete
  2. I'm still up, thanks to a middle of the night phone call from a non-RevGal gal. We noticed we were both up drinking a little wine so she called at midnight so we could share it "together!"

    Sounds like you have the pressure of time on you. Prayers that something comes together soon!! That is quite a hymn collection, but I think you're right to draw them together at the table.

    Peace to you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Saturday afternoon here, and I have put up a draft of tomorrows sermon on 2 Kings reading.
    I am usually writing much later than this. As I wrote on the Facebook group, this is a different writing style for me, and so much shorter than usual. But it almost wrote itself, so I am hoping it is 'right'. also communion tomorrow, so short won't be a problem.
    a slave girl changed a life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this poem-like proclamation! Makes me stop and look anew at this text. Thank you.

      Delete
    2. It is WONDERFUL, Pearl! I am sure it will be 'right.'

      Delete
    3. Lovely! Thanks for the food for thought - I'm preaching on this passage and haven't gotten a handle on where I'm going with it. I love it - a slave girl changed a life!

      Delete
  4. School holidays for 2 weeks, so no Sunday School, and no one rostered for childrens talk, which means me. I am planning on talking about the ripples in water. a seemingly small gesture, like a smile or holding open a door, can make a big difference in someone's day. also 'small' negatives like pushing in, can also make a big difference to someone's day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm preaching at two different congregations tomorrow (same sermon). Usually Daddy will come to my rescue and give me a few hours respite from the kiddos on a Saturday, but that's not happening today. He's had an icky personnel situation at his church, plus two funerals this weekend. Our household has had its full helping of stress this week, needless to say. So I imagine I'll be joining the party again sometime after the girls are in bed. In the meantime, thoughts on the Galatians passage are appreciated, especially the "Do not grow weary in doing what is right" piece.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure there will be folks here late. Myself included. :) Our town does our 4th of July fireworks tonight, and they don't start until 10:00 p.m. Makes for a very late night. Enjoy your day and know you won't be alone later tonight.

      Delete
  6. Good morning - I am headed out in a little while to take short road trip with the Mister. KInd of looking forward to getting out of the house! But, I've working with Naaman this week, and I am using the AT&T commercial for the sermon title, "It's not Complicated." At least for me, I do tend to complicated faith practices sometimes....always going for the high, the spiritual experience...when sometimes, God moves in the simplest of things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What? You aren't using the Kmart "Ship Your Pants" commercial??? :)

      I think you're going a lovely direction. I hope I can read it later, because it sounds like one I need for SURE.

      Delete
  7. After 2 days that felt like a Saturday - including intermittent panic attacks that the next day was Sunday - it is now actually Saturday.
    And so we write.

    No deadline brought to us by The Boy as he is in Florida with his Dad until Friday :( And it's so ridiculously hot outside that there is no guilt about not enjoying the outdoors.

    So... we write... and ignore all the Facebook posts about parishioners who are not going to be anywhere near sermon listening distance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We also wonder when #2 Son, who leaves for Italy tomorrow, will wake up. ;-) It's been great to have him here for the past three weeks. He played clarinet for my UCC congregation two weeks ago and kzj's Presbyterian's last Sunday. Through the vagaries of music department schedules, he didn't hear either of us preach! So the choice is his tomorrow. Where will he go?

      Delete
    2. I think he will be going to 'Packing for Italy' church.

      Delete
    3. I have also had those horrible panic attacks. I keep asking my husband throughout the day, "WAIT! What day is it???"

      Delete
    4. It's very disorienting.
      We're finally getting some work done here. Phew!

      Delete
    5. I am so confused about what day it is also. Its been crazy here with the rain and all. My girls are gone on their first Youth trip. I feel so out of control. Look on my facebook to see their picture.
      Hope your day gets better and more oriented. What is he going to Italy for? Sounds interesting? I know you will miss him and his clarinet.
      LOL on the "Packing for Italy" church.

      Delete
    6. Abi, he'll be at the Siena Music Festival for five weeks. It's primarily an opera festival, but there will also be orchestra concerts. They offer conversational Italian classes for the musicians! We will definitely miss him, but we're so happy he has this opportunity. (And that he landed here for three weeks in between other things.)

      Delete
    7. Martha,
      What a wonderful opportunity for him. I know you will miss him. Hope its a great time for him.

      Delete
    8. I also had the "what day is it???" freak outs repeatedly over the past two days. of course, now it's 6pm Saturday night and I still have no sermon. sigh.

      Delete
    9. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  8. Things are moving slowly around our house this morning. We have been busting our rears this holiday week to get our house ready to put on the market. The carpet in the basement will be replaced in about two weeks, so I'm planning on that being my deadline for everything else. As soon as it is in, I want the photographer in here taking pictures and we will get this show on the road.

    I'm a doing a sort of 4th of July thing, modified from one shared in the Young Clergy Women Project. I'm not comfortable with patriotic stuff at all. This service as the appearance of being patriotic with some of the favorite songs, but it's really based in good critical (in the neutral sense), biblical, faithful thought about the role of God and country/God in country, lifting up allegiance to God over everything. I don't have much to do to get it ready, but I'll read through it again this afternoon and then get parts out to the other two readers. Thankfully, one lives with me so it's an easy delivery. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds so smart. I'm in a church so determinedly liberal that the only note of federal holidays comes in the organ music. It's too bad, because I actually have a weakness for properly-placed patriotic sing-songs. :-)

      Delete
    2. I had a horrible case of pride as I came to the decision to do this. I tend to be the one to refuse the mixing of patriotism and faith or anything that might be perceived as such a mix. I've been semi-fighting the passive-aggressive triangulating "Where's the flag in the sanctuary" contingency for about a year. It's getting real old, not real fast. We've talked about it. We've told them theological reasons. They even seem to get it or at least be tolerant of it right up until some holiday goes by without the flag in the sanctuary. Oy. Anyway, my pride kicked in because I was afraid they would see this as me giving up and them winning, instead of me showing how it could work together done well (I hope) or a compromise. I'm afraid it will make it harder to not do something every time, but I don't think I will do something every time. Stupid pride.

      Delete
  9. I've already got a late night with a pre-baptism meeting at 8pm for an out of town family. I'm just glad I get to meet with them at all! So I"m hoping to have everything ready to go before then.

    The morning has flown by, and I haven't gotten out in the garden yet. So I think I'll do an hour or so, and then start on my sermon writing and other tidbits of getting ready for Sunday I forgot to do. I'm preaching the 2 Kings text and haven't figured out an angle yet, but all week I've been noodling the tension between Naaman's desire for spectacular, and the simple gift/reception of God's grace. I have a baptism at one congregation, so maybe that's where I'll go.

    Off to weed...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Weeding always cleared my mind. Maybe it will help your thoughts. But I thought you had a good idea that we do look for the spectacular in church, God and our spiritual life. We are so influenced by the spectacular in the media, computer games, movies etc,. The regular everyday life seems so drab, so ho hum as does church and Christianity. How do we wean ourselves away from that to appreciate, recognize and receive God's gift to us like a Baptism....

      Delete
    2. Hi Ramona! I hope your weeding worked on your garden and your mind!

      Delete
  10. Good morning preachers! I'm just back from running a 5k this morning. Even though it is ridiculously hot out, the race started early in a beautiful shaded park and it was fun. Also fun to run into a friend from my former parish whom I haven't seen in four years! I was slower than my usual pace, but did I mention that it's HOT outside?!

    Now on to sermonating... thinking about what David Lose had to say this week, about depending on one another vs. our pride in our fierce independence....thinking also about packing light vs. always wanting to be prepared for every eventuality. Not sure where all this will end up.

    Maybe I will let all that percolate while I go take a shower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A 5K run. Aren't you ambitious. My knees would give out before the starting line. You inspire me to go ride my bike. Maybe I'll find inspiration there. Carry on.

      Delete
    2. I can't quite believe it myself, but I feel good! I started running just about a year ago, but I didn't imagine that I would be doing races. Good for my body and my soul, to be quite honest.

      As for bikes--they scare me! Whatever works for each of us!

      Delete
    3. Ok I'll admit it. Its a stationary bike. I found out I am no longer very good at the regular bike either. I have to build myself back up for that.

      Delete
    4. I can't wait to get back to running, soon I hope. I've been on the sidelines (literally - - watching my running partner finish the half marathon we had been training for together) since the end of April with a nasty nasty case of plantar fasciitis.

      Delete
  11. Hey you all,
    Since I am now preaching every Sunday,I'll be back with you all, partying, planning and preparing for Sunday.
    I bring nutella, peanut butter, bread, bananas, diet cokes and rain. Yes my friends I can't help myself, I am building the ark but not preaching about it.
    Actually I am preaching on the Fruit of the Spirit sermon Series. I found an idea in Ministry Matters and am expanding on it. Last week I preached on the freedom we have in Christ and not the legalism. This week I am preaching on Freed to Serve with Love. I have a rough draft, but much cleaning up to do.
    I am also trying to preach without reading the manuscript. Still haven't mastered that one yet.

    Prayers for all of you as you write, pray and prepare. Anybody for a nutella/peanut butter sandwich or just the nutella?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey back at you, former roomie.

      Delete
    2. I was going to do the Fruit of the Spirit tomorrow with a fun fruit smoothie idea someone shared elsewhere. But then I was afraid people would freak out about a potential mess in the sanctuary, so I decided to save it for an outside service next month.

      Delete
  12. I'm soooo glad to hear I am not the only one who has had tiny panic sessions wondering which day it was and why the sermon was not done! DH and I snuck away last night and had a fun date night, then went to pick up the 14 yo boy from camp this morning and drove back. Sermon got written down in the last half-hour. It is almost time to shower and get ready for the Saturday service. Rector-before-last will be there to baptize a baby, so that will be fun.

    After all of that, laundry will begin. For those who may not know yet, never bring the camp trunk in the house! A girlfriend passed along that sage advice many years ago and it has paid off many times over, so I pass it along in the spirit of Galship.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BRILLIANT advice and ridiculously spot on... blech.

      Delete
    2. I brought the swimsuits in from the clothesline this morning, and a little green lizard came in with them. I'm assuming this is part of the reason for leaving the trunk outside? (Tucking this away for the future).

      Delete
    3. The smell is another factor along with all of the above. I won't tell you about the grody-ness of finding another boy's underwear - with skid marks - in the trunk - blecchhh indeed. Better to keep the trunk right beside the trash can as it gets unpacked.

      Sermon preached once - third in the series of Name Your Demons, Name your fruits, Name Your Ministry. Went well - I now know I can preach three weeks in a row and keep up with other duties and the family. I needed to test that theory.

      Delete
  13. still. grinding. it. out.
    Too late to go on vacation?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm am an hour behind my planned schedule because Windows is installing updates - and it's been on update 2 for almost an hour! Should I be worried? I want to just do a hard reset, but there's that scary message warning me not to turn off of unplug my machine. Any body got any suggestions?

    It's been bad technology day in our house - the phones also weren't working, but we got that done.

    If only I had my work files stored in the cloud! I guess that's my task for Monday.

    I do have loads of lovely radishes and fresh lettuce, and my spouse's famous balsamic vinegarette - plenty to share!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No advice at all. I stink at that part of computer stuff. I know how to use them, but not how to keep them running.

      Delete
  15. Relying almost entirely on David Lose's inspiration, I have a draft. And where last week's was longish, this week's is quite brief. Do you think it will average out? :) I'm sure no one cares if we're out early anyway.

    I need to go to the store and get coffee hour supplies, and then I will revisit my text and see if I need to add to it.

    It's quiet around here today. Is everyone on vacation? Mine is still almost a month away...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No vacation yet, but I am going in a couple of weeks. I have got to go and my secretary reminded me to go. Yea for the secretary!

      Delete
    2. It totally averages out. I promise folks that when we "get out late" and warn them about it when we "get out early."

      Delete
  16. I've been busy...blueberry pancakes, waffles to re-stock the stash in the freezer, facebook (ahem), working on a sewing project, keeping the children alive and relatively content. There doesn't seem to be a sermon in that list...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Okay revgals (and pals) - I need a sermon illustration about someone who could have worked from a position of authority, but instead led from a position of equality.

    My thought process being that the directives from Jesus to the 70 disciples was to accept the hospitality that was given, not move to a house where it might be better and eat what is put in front of them so that the ministry and message of JC will be passed along not from position of authority (you should only eat this) but rather from a position of equality (all at one table, sharing the same food).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure this works for where you are headed but Dorothy Day and Catholic Worker houses come to mind.

      Delete
    2. It's a bit dated now but still makes a valid point. Will Willimon originally told the story I didn't record where I copied it from. "Sometime ago, I was at a church conference where we were discussing ministry with people living with AIDS. An AIDS activist spoke for about an hour, an hour-long tirade of invective against the church. He castigated the church for our conservatism, our backwardness, our fear and our inactivity in the AIDS crisis. Admittedly, most of his charges were well deserved.
      When he finally finished, he asked if there were any questions. Of course, none of us would have been dumb enough to say anything, because we didn't want to be the object of more criticism.
      An older woman came to the microphone. She said, "I am a member of the women's Wednesday morning Bible study group at my church. Most of us have been there for the last 20 years, the same women, studying the Bible, week after week. We have refreshments, and then we have our Bible study."
      I could tell that the speaker was becoming impatient with these rumblings about Bible study.
      "One week, after our refreshments, after we had been studying the Bible for some time, one of the participants talked about how hard it was to understand what Jesus meant when he said certain things. Then Gladys spoke up and said, 'Be honest. We already understand enough about Jesus. Understanding is not really the problem. Doing it is the problem. Following Jesus is much more difficult than understanding him.' Her words really struck us as right. In our prayer time we asked that Jesus would show us the way that he wanted us to follow him.
      Then, would you believe it, the very next week, one of the women came and told us that she had met a young man in her apartment building who was dying of AIDS. The young man had been forsaken by his family. He had no one. She had been visiting him, doing some light cleaning around his apartment, running errands when he was too ill to go out, and being whatever help she could. A lot of these people don't have grandparents close by.
      That's where we came in. We realized that Jesus was calling us to be representative grandmothers for people suffering with this illness. Thereafter, each of us adopted someone with AIDS and now serve as that person's grandmother. It's a little thing, ordinary, but it is something we could do."

      Sarah

      Delete
    3. And the one that came to mind immediately when you asked but took longer to find. It's an "old school preacher story" I collected years ago but it may not be what you really want.

      It was a bitter cold evening in northern Virginia many years ago. The old man's beard was glazed by winter's frost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind.
      he heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path. Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another. Finally, the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat like a snow statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider's eye and said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn't appear to be a passageway by foot."
      Reining his horse, the rider replied, "Sure thing. Hop aboard." Seeing the old man was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horseman took the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, which was just a few miles away.
      As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman's curiosity caused him to inquire, "Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I'm curious why, on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and left you there?"
      The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied, "I've been around these here parts for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good." The Old-timer continued, "I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have been useless even to ask them for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need."
      Those heartwarming comments touche the horseman deeply. "I'm most grateful for what you have said," he told the old man. "May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion."
      With that, Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.
      But what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God?

      Sarah

      Delete
    4. Sorry for the formatting on the last two posts! Clearly the copy/paste lost the paragraphs.

      Sarah

      Delete
    5. Both of those are great, thank you. I think the story of the founder of toms.com is where I'm going to go, but I'm keeping both of those for the file.

      Thank you!

      Delete
    6. Sarah, you may have just saved me from a night of agonizing. thank you for sharing both of these stories.

      Delete
    7. 2 hours late and dated illustrations. But better than nothing and Thomas Jefferson plays well close to 4th of July

      Glad you already had something to work with.

      Sarah

      Delete
    8. That's why we love the Party!

      Sometimes it helps the one who asked. Sometimes it helps someone else. Sometimes both. Sometimes somebody that lurks. And God's at work!

      Sarah

      Delete
  18. Ok - I'm back online. The computer still wants to do the evil update, but I'm not going to try that again until I have a chance to back up my data files and move my active files to the cloud. That way if it locks up again, I can still work!

    Still no inspiration for the sermon. I'll just have to start writing and hope something preachable comes out.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nursing a toothache, so I'm alternating typing and holding an icepack on my face. I gave in and am letting kzj fix dinner. There's about two-thirds of a sermon on paper, and I'm struggling for the last bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh, hope it feels better soon.

      Would kzj like to fix my dinner?

      Delete
    2. Hope you can get to the dentist pronto. IME nothing is worse than tooth pain!

      Delete
    3. Thanks, RDM. The dentist has referred me to the oral surgeon, but the referral was made on 4th of July eve, so I'm on antibiotics and waiting for the long weekend to be over.

      Delete
    4. Martha...been there done that (over a New Year's holiday weekend)...not fun! Hang in there...

      Delete
    5. The VERY long weekend. Ouch. Sorry for you.

      Delete
  20. Hi everyone!

    I'm having a hard time getting all of me back from UCC General Synod. The Thursday holiday didn't help, or it did help me stay disconnected a little too much and too long.

    The sermonizing I've done so far is self-centered -- literally, centered on my own travel plans -- and I'm finding the Luke text more and more confusing. Need an infusion of scholarly input, it seems!

    Some personal un-bloggables are an unwelcome (and sad) hindrance. /whine

    So grateful for the galship! Thanks for hosting, Stephanie!

    Is there any chocolate?

    Oh yeah -- our favorite hymns for tomorrow are "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Be Thou My Vision" and "Just A Closer Walk with Thee." Not too bad, IMHO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ghiardelli's Dark Chocolate Soiree with Se Salt - just for you!! ((Sharon))

      Delete
  21. I can't tell if it's my easily distracted brain or what, but this one is coming in fits and starts. Hoping that maybe a dinner will help.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looks like the party has just cooked right along today. I've been doing all sorts of family and friend stuff today. We had our town parade for a big chunk of the day. When we got home there was more packing up to get some large furniture pieces out of the house to continue to get ready to put it on the market. Some friends came over to help move some big things so the wife and I worked on packing up some china and a tea cup collection. I didn't anticipate doing that much more today, so I was glad she motivated me. She's nesting (due date tomorrow) so I guess she just decided to share the blessing!!!

    I've got homemade strawberry ice cream churning. Anyone want some???

    ReplyDelete
  23. okay, I'm home from the parade and from drumming class...I was so tired driving home from the city that I could barely keep my eyes open. I want to take a nap even if it is 6pm and a terrible idea. But I have two terrible paragraphs, which do not a sermon make.

    I smuggled some caramel apple cake out of the restaurant where I ate lunch. It's delicious--have some!

    And, can I just say: it seems like a good idea to do a summer-long series, but it isn't. because there are no resources out there when you're desperate. Not that I'm desperate just yet, but getting there. Of course, no one will be at church, so maybe it doesn't matter. I actually had someone tell me at the parade that they won't be there because they'll be hungover. nice. (the "hometown fest" is going on as we speak...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I might go for the nap even if it is a terrible idea. Sometimes the tiredness becomes my worst distraction.

      I totally know what you mean about a summer long series. I'm doing a couple of them instead of one big one and I get tired of being on my own.

      Delete
  24. Done, done and done!

    Edited, made slightly longer, PDFd and sent to the iPad.

    Now for some dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Like many of you, I felt very confused as to what day it was all week. I was on vacation until Wed night and am just starting to sit down and write. I feel a little guilty that my kiddos are with my sister for the next two weeks so I was productive today purging their closets. Wondering what I had originally planned to preach on prior to vacation. I am not recalling what direction I was going with other than knowing I am preaching the gospel. Hmm, better get inspired soon.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've been on a mid-week mini-vacation which was great. Somewhere along in the preacher party a reference was made to having a "front porch" on a sermon (meaning the introduction/set up etc). Using that metaphor...I need a back porch! LOL

    Or using mixed metaphors since I was at two BB games during vacation...it is time for the closer to come in.

    Doing a "12 Sunday's of Summer" series and this week is number seven.
    "on the seventh day"
    Sabbath has seven letters
    and I am preaching this on 7-7
    synchronicity (aka...Spirit)


    Also have a memorial service on Monday...so tomorrow will be chock full.

    Oh..and speaking of technology...let me just say I am not a fan of Direct TV...an hour on the phone with the "help" department to get them to understand the receiver is dead...nada...zip...no blue light...reset didn't work...outlet fine...unplugging and resetting two more times...yep...it's dead they concurred.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you had a mini-vacation! Is there a chance I might be seeing you soon?

      Delete
    2. Stephanie...not sure you will "see". If anyone from the congregation was going to that event...then I was going to go. No one is. They liked it...but no desire to go again. It conflicted with a seven day silent retreat...so I am doing that instead of the event.

      Sounds like they are having another "record breaking attendance" this year. Have fun.

      Delete
  27. FWIW, I have a sermon. I'm going to eat the wonderful dinner my spouse has made and do my pre-baptism meeting and look at it again.

    I am trying something a bit different, and if you have a few minutes to read my sermon, and give some feedback, that would be wonderful - Looking for God in Unexpected Faces and Places. I'm trying to let the story speak for it's self with just some ideas to ponder at the end. Does it work?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks everyone for the feedback!

      Delete
    2. My small church in a small town needs to hear this kind of message. They so often think they can't make a huge, significant splash, that they become discouraged. Great sermon!

      Delete
  28. I know it is Saturday and I almost have a sermon ...

    This whole week has been a big community festival- Wild West Days - with many events that don't start until 7pm ( Why? she asked... 'cause the temperature does not drop below 90 until about then...) Concert tonight- Little River Band at 9:30. In my former life I would have said "no way on a church night" Working on saying "yes" to things I want to do and stressing less about not being completely prepared. Today we did a parade with lots of horses, listened to re-enactors do Wild Bill Hickok ( former sheriff ) General Custer's wife Elizabeth ( stationed here at Fort Hays) and Abraham Lincoln visited a family reunion and the hospital emergency room.

    My mom has been with us for 3 weeks- is leaving Friday and since she makes friends wherever she goes, we have many more social invitations through the next week

    Time to finish this sermon or give it up for the night. Blessings friends- it has been fun to read the blog carnival on Galship- this preacher party is one of the great joys of RGBP!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like so much fun! Good for you for taking the time to enjoy yourself!

      Delete
    2. I think that's a great idea about backing off from the idol of preparedness. Living life is just as important.

      Delete
    3. Now I didn't mean that being prepared is a bad thing. I was projecting there more than anything. Sometimes we get stuck preparing and forget living. The festival sounds fun!

      Delete
    4. Stephanie- I suspect our definition of " completely prepared" is ridiculously over prepared! You are one who helped me reassess the balance of fun time in my life. Festival was fun! Sending prayers and positive house energy for your exciting transition!

      Delete
  29. I am another one who has been confused about days much of the week...and then today, when I did need to worry, I totally tuned out. Now it is late afternoon, I am going out tonight, and I have nothing. Family service sermon, so it can be short and sweet, but I still need something. I am using the Deuteronomy lesson from Independence Day propers, so I have a lot of room for creativity, but nothing is coming. I had a good idea a few years ago, but I think it is too soon for a repeat. I am sure it will go in the direction of true freedom being found in a relationship with God, knowing we are loved, and sharing that love with others, but it needs actual content!

    I am having surgery the end of the week and will be out of work and not preaching for a few weeks, so I think my brain has already checked out...

    For the party, I can offer some fabulous nectarines, grilled and topped with goat cheese, and a little honey (from the bee hive that we had to have removed from our back shed) drizzled on top.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope the surgery goes smoothly and recovery is quick.

      And I would love one of those nectarines. That sounds delicious.

      Delete
  30. Back at it and about 3/4 done. Hoping that doing the formatting from the start will get me in the groove (along with my favorite Jazz playlist). Anyone up for some chocolate chip cookie dough? I just found some in the fridge this afternoon!

    ReplyDelete
  31. 2 Kings is the text that is ready to be printed! YAY!

    I might be preaching to myself "I think Naaman says what many of us say about the circumstances of our lives "I'd rather be bathing in another river." Only our version is more like, “I thought things would turn out differently.” But when Naaman finally accepted the gift offered by God in the river that Naaman was convinced wasn't good enough, then Naaman discovered a relationship with the One true God. Even though God was willing to give Naaman what he wanted most – healing – at first, Naaman wasn't willing to take what God offered because the package didn't look like Naaman expected. Naaman almost missed the gift because of his preconceived notions about how his healing would come."

    I wonder if anyone will be there to hear it? Please dear God don't let them all be at the lake again! please I spent my 4th of July with them so please help them get to worship on Sunday

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely - I hope there the ears who need to hear this the most are there!

      Delete
    2. I think a lot of us are praying that same prayer!

      Delete
  32. Finally sitting down to work, after a full-on meltdown at bedtime (the younger daughter, not me for once). She was incensed that I would not get her more water after she intentionally poured hers on the floor. The injustice of it all!

    Now to work. Really.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh. All was quiet, I went to check on her. Not quite asleep. Meltdown starts all over again.

      Delete
  33. I have some wine-sauced chicken to share since the girls complained about what daddy made for supper--again :(

    I am preaching about Amos and the prophet's task. And wondering how we can call people to account without sounding like the blowhards talking about how hurricanes are God's punishment for the nation's moral failings (a position which is arguably Biblical but is undeniably disconcerting). If Jesus is Lord then is it the prophet's task to remind us of priorities?

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am working into the night as well, when I returned from my mat leave I promised myself no more late Saturday nights preparing - alas - I am only on week four and still have a ways to go...
    I am working with the Luke text, focusing on Evangelism - how it freaks us out in our denomination but exploring what it could look like if we go beyond our fear of it. I am also hoping to incorporate some of the David Lose stuff on hospitality, we shall see where I end up.
    The nectarines sound amazing and yummy...

    ReplyDelete
  35. Well..took a bit longer than I wanted but sermon is here

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sunday noon here. smaller congregation due to school holidays, but not as low as some of you are expecting. today marks my anniversary with this group of people, 7 years, and most of it has been wonderful.
    I haven't blogged on Galship, and probably won't get up to it. Saturday night preacher party, or Tuesday lectionary, was how I found RevGals, and even though I am miles away from most of you, and never met any of you [that I am aware of] I love that there is this group of people who 'get' what I do and try to do, and how wonderful and frustrating ministry can be all at the same time. Thanks you for your inspiration, encouragement and friendship.
    Blessings for those still trying to find the words to speak tomorrow,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen, pearl! Finding a community that "gets it" has been one of the great gifts of RevGals for me too! Blessings on your Sunday afternoon rest (?), and congratulations on 7 years!

      Delete
  37. I shall walk this dog proud come the morning. Right now the real old man dog is losing it thanks to local fireworks.

    Time to adjourn. Good luck to all still laboring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Time for ice cream! TBTG my mouth finally feels better, for no apparent reason. But I will take it. kzj says my sermon is okay, so I'm going to trust her.

      Delete
    2. Virtual ice cream for me please - a double scoop!

      Delete
  38. Can I reasonably use BOTH of Sarah's stories above? that's half a sermon right there....(asks the preacher who hardly ever tells stories like that).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now I'm pondering whether I could tell the Thomas Jefferson story as part of the benediction. Hmm....

      Delete
    2. Go right ahead!

      Sarah

      Delete
    3. Not my norm either but I totally threw it in there as the die-hards who show up to church on this long weekend will love it.

      Delete
    4. I now can't figure out how to use the Thomas Jefferson story in the body of the sermon. But the effort to make room for it made the rest of the sermon tighter and brought me to a reasonable wordcount. So I think I might use it either as the benediction or possibly as a children's time. Because why not just tell them a story only very tangentially related to the scripture? ;-)

      I might keep trying to fit it in, because it really does make a beautiful point....if not, seriously, it's going at the end. Maybe that will redeem the fact that the sermon is terrible?

      Delete
    5. Exactly! what I was thinking!

      too cliche and yet too perfect to resist for this weekend for those looking for a nod to the Patriotic

      Sarah

      Delete
  39. Done. Thank goodness for the timer tool on my phone. Seven minutes at a time, I have a sermon. Sigh. In a former life, I used to be able to concentrate, and I wrote sermons on Thursdays. Ah well. It's not horrible, or at least it doesn't look horrible at past-bedtime-o'clock on a Saturday night.

    Blessings and quick writing to those still at work.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jesus and I are going to have to chat in the shower tomorrow morning, as the Spirit seems to have forgotten that I need a close to this sermon.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Remembering that sometimes the "words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls and whispered in the sound...of silence"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK this was a reply to another comment I made but the original seems to have disappeared....

      I am looking for modern or modern-ish quotes from the prophets in our world. Who are the Amos' and Isaiah's in the world today and what are they saying???

      Delete
  42. okay, I'm giving up for now. Hoping that sleep, or early morning exercise if I can drag myself out of bed, or the shower, or the commute will contain the inspiration I need to tie this together into something that makes sense. Also, dear Holy Spirit, I could use a children's sermon. Because just telling them the Thomas Jefferson story and praying seems a little bit suspect.

    Great party, all! Thanks for the inspiration. I appreciate you all more than you can possibly know. LOVE!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one still awake and on my computer. Sermon is mostly done, but I'm struggling for a way to tie it all together. Luke - evangelism isn't as scary as the word may sound, and yet can be so much bigger than it seems on the surface.

    Procrastinating, checking Facebook, liturgy is written and ready to go, more procrastinating...

    Feeling frustrated, because I played the piano for the service of another denomination this morning and the sermon was the most un-loving, un-forgiving, un-welcoming thing that I have ever heard. I have never been so close to walking out of a church in the middle of the sermon. If I hadn't had to play for the second half of the service, I would have been gone. Ack.

    OK - off to try to tie things together... and maybe increase the emphasis on the love factor!

    Anyone want to share this lovely dark chocolate I am nibbling on before the whole bar disappears?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Holy cow! I didn't think I had been gone THAT long. We got pizza. My ice cream (DELICIOUS) froze. Friends came to eat it with us and go down to the fireworks downtown. An awesome evening - - shoot it was a night. The fireworks didn't start until 10:15. It struck me, though, as we walked down to the park to watch the show that this could be the last time we live close enough down here to walk. I've always felt a tad bit of sinful pity for the people who had to drive in to see all the cool downtown stuff. Now we're moving farther out and will be one of the families driving in. Oh well. It's the only way we could afford the space and finished-ness of the house that we want. It will be different living in a more country-like neighborhood than in our smaller one where the kids can run better to each other's houses. I wish I had the school directory from this year to see who else lives in our new area.

    ReplyDelete
  45. hooray for an organist who picked up the pace of Come, Labor On so it wasn't at all ponderous (though it was faster than I think people are used to singing, LOL!). And for both of Sarah's stories, which made it into the service at different points and definitely brought the whole thing together. People love love loved the Thomas Jefferson story, so thank you thank you thank you! Definitely redeemed my terrible sermon. :-)

    ReplyDelete

You don't want to comment here; instead, come visit our new blog, revgalblogpals.org. We'll see you there!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.