- How come you’re standing by the back as we leave?
On Sunday Gary Rogers (the Elder who read scripture – hint, hint) also read the announcements and gave the benediction so that I could get to the back door and greet folks as they left. Dozens of people asked me why I was doing that, many mentioning that it was a return to the `50’s (which I assume was an intentional exaggeration since I wasn’t alive in the ‘50’s and not only do I remember greeting pastors at the back of the service, I remember being the pastor at the back of the service! 🙂 ). I do enjoy greeting everybody, but that’s not why I made this change. Nor did I make it, as some teased, so I could hear instant evals of the sermon! I did it because too often I don’t get to meet visitors. After the message I find myself caught up in conversation at the front of the Worship Center, and if a later coming visitor doesn’t stay for fellowship, I never get to even shake his or her hand, so at least this way that presumably will change!
2. Texter: “What do you do when you are being pulled in different directions of doing new things out of your comfort zone to help you grow and giving your time and energy into your gifts/strengths? What wins over when you’re stretched thin on time/mental capabilities?”
The verses that come to mind are in Ephesians 5. Paul says: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. “ (vs 15-17) From the pulpit I said, in response to this question, “I think you need to seek wise counsel,” and the recitation of this verse doesn’t change that. It seems to me, especially when life throws so much at us that all seems equally important, it’s helpful to have someone(s) to help us prioritize. I often have to remind myself that God doesn’t expect me to get 26 hours’ worth of work done in a 24 hour day! 🙂
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
Grace Notes 