End of PoD #2

It seems a bit strange... blogging while the rest of my family is sick with swine flu. But there's not a lot I can do, other than keeping my distance. So here's part 2...

Major influences in discernment and growth areas

Ministry experience
In addition to my ongoing regular commitment of leading worship once or twice a quarter at the 10am service at my congregation, my minister, Phil invited me to start preaching as part of my PoD. From terrified beginnings, I have come to love preaching and have been overwhelmed by the affirmations I have received along the way.
I was also invited to preach at Seacombe Uniting in June this year and Kersbrook Uniting in July. These were wonderful experiences where I worked with the local worship leaders to prepare the services in two very different churches.
Up to the time of writing this report I have preached 15 times.

In October 2009, I had the privilege to lead worship for the women’s Emmaus Walk at Nunyara - a 4 day, short-term faith community. This was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed preparing the songs, teaching them to the team at training days prior to the Walk, then leading some very special times of worship.

My Minister, Phil also suggested that I lead a Bible study for a term. This is my current ministry focus. My small group, the Houghton Hillbillies, has been very generous in allowing me to lead them. I have really enjoyed this experience. Studying God’s Word together on a weekly basis, asking deep faith questions, sharing our pastoral needs and praying together for each other and others we know, are all regular practices for our group.

Another new experience, which I am about to embark on, is leading in the sacrament of Communion. The presbytery has licensed me, and the youth coordinator in my congregation, to preside over Communion, while we have no minister in placement. We have just been trained, and I am really looking forward to leading in this sacrament.

part 3 coming soon....

what a week!

In the last seven days, so much has happened. I am feeling incredibly blessed.

After much procrastination I finally finished preparing the sermon for last Sunday (July 11). I preached at the three services at Tea Tree Gully Uniting. I was given Matthew 23 as the bible reading and the theme of authentic Jesus: Jesus confronts the authorities....
Such a huge reading with so many directions to take. But I felt that I needed to speak about whether we can identify with the sin of the Pharisees... to ask the question of whether we might be hypocrites, hiding behind a mask of pretence. Confronting stuff. I had this idea of giving everyone a mask to wear, and gently giving them the opportunity to reflect on this. Then praying about it, and symbolically leaving the mask at the foot of the cross.
It went very well, and from the feedback received, God was at work.
My parents came to one of the services - a significant thing as they can now understand what it is I am feeling called to do. And they are excited for me.
...And, it was very cool to look out at the congregation, all obediently putting on party masks! A funny, yet poignant moment.

Then on Monday, the moderator elect of the Uniting Church SA (Rob Williams) came to visit me (me?!) at work and asked me (me!?) to take a lead role in worship for him during his time as moderator. A huge challenge, privilege and something I have felt God calling me to for quite some time. I took a few days to pray, chat to close friends and family, and sort out semester 2 commitments, then gave Rob a resounding Yes. I will have the opportunity to serve with Rob and his 2 chaplains (Lynne Aird and Tim Hein). Very exciting, very daunting.

On Wednesday evening I met with my (Tea Tree Gully Uniting) church council to ask them to support me in my application to candidate to be a minister of the Word. They were well prepared and asked lots of good questions. I felt that it went really well. I hope and pray that they will endorse my application.

Thursday and Friday were two long overdue days off. I spent them doing things for me:
- meeting with my mentor (always a positive yet thought-provoking and challenging experience);
- registering as a participant in the West Women's Weekend coming up in August;
- spending some quality time with my son, updating his wardrobe and getting some great bargains;
- taking my niece out for the day (highlights were a jewellery making lesson with beads and choc fondue at the Chocolate Bean)
- and celebrating the retirement of Heather Bald, a dear friend and gift to the church.

Finally I just spent a wonderful few hours with a lovely lady, Jo Cross, from Kersbrook Uniting Church. We are planning a service together, where I will be preaching at Kersbrook, on 25 July. I can't wait.

What a week!

So, now... to the mundane and important things... where's the mop?