Greetings!
It was merely a suggested topic to call Sunday's sermon "Cure for Hang-Ups or Overs" . . . and I debated long and hard. Remember - I grew up VERY CONSERVATIVE . . . so this is pushing the "limits" for me . . . .
But I'm glad I did!
And here's why . . . at the Christmas Eve Service I was frustrated with myself because I felt like I displayed complete and TOTAL realism!!!! But not in a good way!!! The microphone was buried in unknown regions and had come unplugged and didn't work . . . the poor leadership team had been running frantically b/c brilliant me forgot the communion plates/cups . . . . and when I did the greeting I said something like "And it's great to be here with you as we celebrate our risen Lord." I think because I have never led that many worship services in such a short amount of time other than Holy Week I just switched right on over to Easter Mode!!! Then later in the service . .
I was debating whether or not to invite folks for Sunday and say the sermon title.
I didn't want to "offend" anyone!!!!! Or turn anyone away . . .
But something nudged me to say the title . . .
As we were riding home Andrew said, "The coolest thing happened tonight in the service. It was after your sermon was over so I don't know what they were talking about but they said, 'Oh that's cool, that means she is real.'"
We pondered for a few minutes what that could have been in response to . . . it wasn't the microphone incident (which was entirely MY fault by the way - our sound/technology folks are awesome!!!!!)
It could only have been the sermon title . . . . and yes, I guess that does make me real.
I used to think when folks commented to me "We like you because you are real." that even though they meant it as a compliment, for me it was an insult. It meant I wasn't academic or scholarly. It meant that my sermons brought no depth and meaning . . . it was all just fluff.
I've since decided that perhaps it isn't an insult after all. Not that I am a phenomenal theologian BUT the church is supposed to be a place for REAL people . . with REAL hang-ups . . and overs.
I'm excited about Sunday as we look at what hang-ups we have in life and what the REAL cure for them is!!!!!
And . . . if you get to come as you are, do I?????
We fly back in tomorrow from a few days away . . . . and talk about real . . . we are in Vegas. But . . .. I have also been a REAL UMC Pastor and the Book of Discipline is pretty clear on what I can and cannot do . . . . so I've had a great time w/ my family, but I also promise . . . I can still serve as your pastor on Sunday morning w/ integrity and hopefully some wisdom and grace!!!!
Take care and have a great New Year's Eve and I hope you'll really seriously consider the offer to "come as you are" on Sunday and start the new year right!!!!
Thanks for being a REAL faith community!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
|
