Back in the Saddle (Again)
Getting older and wiser, right?
I’ll be starting at the Forest Grove United Church of Christ in June as Interim Pastoral Staff. Pastor Dick Kroll is retiring at the end of June–Nancy and I are sure going to miss him–and there’s some hope that I’ll be able to help “fill the void” while the church continues its search for a Minister of Worship and Administration.
I’m looking forward to the time there. In no small way because I’ll get to know our new Minister of Youth and Families, the Rev. Angela Horton-Gapay, who started just a couple of months ago. And also because it will offer me an opportunity to apply my skills in a much smaller setting than I’m used to. Folks are estimating that the position may last as long as six months; I’m thinking the search will take less time.
My previous ministries, as you know, have been in medium and large-size congregations, settings that have had a certain amount of stress to them because of their size and complexity. I don’t expect the same stress in this “family-size” church. Fact is, in more recent years, I’ve come to think of my earlier experiences in ministry as having produced a kind of stress illness in myself and, to some extent, my family. Years of clenched teeth, over eating, high blood pressure, and angry outbursts at home are good evidence that whatever I was doing– though it may have seemed talented or successful in some eyes– didn’t come without a cost.
The whole thought of setting up shop in late June or early July and settling into a new spiritual rhythm feels good. Oddly enough, it feels new, too. And it will be a nice balance to my martial arts and shooting pursuits.
If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by and say “hi.” We’ll post a preaching schedule for the next couple of months as soon as Angela and I figure out what’s happening.
Just thinking of you so I googled you. I bet you never thought you were googleable; is that a word? Call me at 503 317 7306 and let’s hook up. Happy Thanksgiving.,
Dan