Easter plus three weeks

I realize it’s been a while since I posted anything.. not that anyone has been demanding any word of wit, wisdom or sarcasm. But as a sort of cyber spiritual journal it is reflective of my own need to maintain silence and reflection as I sort out what is happening in my ministry, and my life.

To catch up with the seasons of the Christian year we are in Easter. That’s a season, not just a day if you plan or participate in the worship life of the Church. The First Sunday is really the most high Holy Day of the entire year in my own faith understanding. The reason it is so is because Easter Sunday commemorates the Triumph of life over death. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s testimony verifying the life and testimony of Jesus of Nazareth. At the recognition of Jesus by the disciples begins the birth of the new line of faith that would try to remain within the household of Judaism, but would eventually end up being cut loose to seek it’s own path and identity as the way to eternal life. The rest of that story comes in the Celebration of Pentecost and the season that follows which lectionary writers simply refer to as ordinary time.

Resurrection of the dead required a death to become demonstrable. One testimony, and one glorification became the confirming signs of one Lord over all creation. Jesus “the anointed one of God” Christ became the Judge over all creation. For most Christians the celebration of Easter is an acknowledgement of all that scripture gives and gave witness to throughout the ages. It is the jubilant feast that laughs at the prince of darkness, and the victory over death which grounds our own hope which ultimately conquers fear of death, and offers newness of life.

With that said, why on earth would a blogging pastor stay silent?

Well, in some ways this year, this pastor has been off calendar. My Lenten journey seems to have needed more time. Palm Sunday my District Superintendent called to advise me and begin the process of working with my congregation, preparing them for an important change. This was not unexpected because it was the result of earlier input given to the Bishop through the District Superintendent in which both myself as pastor, and the pastor staff parish relations committee discerned it was time for a change in pastoral leadership.

On Easter Sunday the appointment intentions were read in the congregation.

So for the last three plus weeks I have been processing what needs to be done to bring closure to a ministry. But added to that I have also had to do something somewhat untypical for United Methodist Pastors, as I have had to initiate a job search outside the bounds of the conference, a calling of sorts, for an appointment or placement within another conference.

Our life, like so many Americans today, is being touched by the economic downturn in an unanticipated way. I hopefully anticipate being led by God to a next place of ministry. But quite naturally both Tim and I are forced to face the uncertainty of not knowing while we wait upon the Spirit of the Lord to present us with the pillar of fire and smoke to lead us on our next leg in the journey. Being two unemployed people simultaneously would be the worst case scenario.

Yet life inside the Ashton Community United Methodist Church Parsonage has a peculiar peacefulness. That, I believe, is a sign of our own certain belief in the claim that Christ placed on our lives which started when together we first trusted in my call of vocation to respond to Christ's commission - go and make disciples. We receive that also because we have many in prayer for us, even as we are in prayer for the whole United Methodist Church in this season of appointments.

So, pray for us in our place of unknowing, to hear and follow where Christ is leading us next.

Grace and peace,