Thursday, June 28, 2007

Joy


I have a call.

I was called after church on Sunday by a search committee with whom I have been in conversation for several months. They have been coming, two or three at a time, to hear me preach in various locations (I have several months scheduled doing pulpit supply). I hadn't exactly given up, but I was aware that they had a couple of folks they considered strong candidates; they had told me they had a "very difficult" decision to make.

I guess they made it! I have been asked to be pastor of a church, just a few miles from my home, with which I feel much connection. They are progressive, they are mission-minded, they are eager for adult education opportunities. They want someone to walk with them and they've decided I am that pastor.

If you had told me when I left seminary I'd spend four years doing interim work, I'd have said that you were mad, mad I tell you! I wanted so much to find a congregation, fall in love, settle down and get married to them. Well. That was not to be. God, evidently, had a bunch of other stuff in mind for me... getting interim training years one and two, working with a congregation in crisis, working with another congregation in deep conflict, and finding a passion for campus ministry were all things I needed to do first. And now that I have done those things, a church that feels pretty nigh perfect comes along, and decides I am the gal they want to be their next rev (their first woman pastor, with the exception of a short term interim).

I should say this: it doesn't feel like flowers and rainbows and falling in love. It feels like a couple of older and wiser folks understanding the things people need to get along for the duration. I have learned that flowers and rainbows and love are not the feelings I feel when a pastoral call is in the offing... just hasn't happened that way for me.

So here I am, all grown up and gettin' my own church. ("My baby's all grown up and savin' China!") So. Yay. YAY! I'm jumping for joy.

Photo courtesy of Flickr and biglake brian.

38 comments:

Jules said...

This is wonderful! Lucky church!

KnittinPreacher said...

Horray! Horray! I am cheering loudly and wildly for you! Yay yay yay!

Unknown said...

How cool! I am very excited. When do you start??

Magdalene6127 said...

Thank you, Cheesehead, KP and Alex...

I am in conversation with the PNC. At the moment, it is looking as if I'll preach for the call at the end of August, and begin either September 1 or October 1.

Yay!

Mags

Anonymous said...

Mag, How wonderful. This will be your first pastorate? God's grace is always in first pastorates. Let them teach you how to pastor them. There is wisdom in those churches. There may be pain too but most of all let you both teach each other how to love one another.

I just had an interview last night. The first one in 3 years so I too am waiting. May your future negotiations with them go well.

Hope is in the air!!!

revhipchick said...

hooray! congratulations!

Suzer said...

YAY Mags!!!! That is such wonderful news! I know they will be blessed with your ministry, as I have been here. I'm so very happy for you. :)

LittleMary said...

it is wonderful! so, you are saying that you your plans aren't always god's plans? phooey.

steve said...

Such wonderful news! Congratulations! They are very lucky to have you.

johnieb said...

Terrific news, Magdalene! And take heart from it, muthah; there is a place God has made just for you.

lauraj said...

(((((Mags!))))) Joy, joy, joy! May it be all that you hope and more. Blessings!

June Butler said...

Great news, Mags! I,m so pleased for you. Blessings to you and your congregation-to-be.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Mags! Excellent news!

Sounds promising!

don't eat alone said...

Congratulations!

Peace,
Milton

Cynthia said...

Oh, Mags, Congratulations!! I know that your church and you will both be blessed.

Lori said...

Congratulations!!! It sounds like the waiting was more than worth it for you and them.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news, Magdalene! I'm happy for you and for them. You will be a blessing to them.

fs

Dennis said...

congrats! very good news.

Barbara B. said...

Woo hoo! That's great! Congratulations!

Dr. Laura Marie Grimes said...

Congratulations! How wonderful and well-deserved. I am so glad for you.

Jane R said...

Magsie!!!!!!!!!!! FABULOUS! Congratulations! And prayers of joy, thanksgiving, and intercession.
XO J

Iris said...

Yay Mags!

*doing a happy dance*

Magdalene6127 said...

Wow. WOW!! Thank you all so much for your good wishes, prayers, etc. It is a lovely feeling of support from round the world.

Blessings,

Mags

MarkBrunson said...

Huz - I say - Huzzah!

Catherine said...

Everliving God, strengthen and sustain Magdalene, that with patience and understanding she may love and care for your people; and grant that together they may follow Jesus Christ, offering to you their gifts and talents; through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessings to you, Mags. The prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer, the blessing of a new ministry, page 560.

Kirstin said...

Woohoo!

Gannet Girl said...

Oh, this is such wonderful news!!!! May you and your new church be absolutely showered with blessings!

RevRosa said...

I clicked your name on the comment you left at my blog, wanting to say thank you for coming to visit and got "surprised by joy" instead. Congratulations and jubilations! I never stop being awed at this whole thing of call and response. Look forward to following your journey!

Anonymous said...

How perfectly splendid! They are fortunate to have you!

Sally said...

wonderful news- prayers for blessings :-)

Anonymous said...

yippeee!!!!!!

(God's timing is best!)

PPB said...

Congratulations!
Your first installed pastorate! woohoo!

Unknown said...

Hurray and Amen!

Rev SS said...

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow! Blessings on your new ministry.

Magdalene6127 said...

I want to thank all of you who have stopped by to wish me well in my new call. Wow. I am really overwhelmed. It means so much to me to feel the support of this cybercommunity.

Blessings all,

Mags

leah said...

Congrats and many Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mags: great... I waited two and a half years for my first call..went to l year CPE residency at Stanford Hospital--it changed my life, it changed me, it changed my ministry. Blessings, shalom, gail (lutheran in california, but I have friends who are calvinists, so it's ok)

Anonymous said...

Mag...by the by, I also really love your blog...too forgot to tell you...gail