June 01, 2006
prayers for the first day of work
If I take the wings
of the morning
and settle at
the furthest limits of the sea
Even there your hand
shall lead me
and your right hand
shall hold me fast
(Ps. 139:9-10)
This is my first post in my official capacity as the pastor of the Community Church of Wilmette. I know, I am beating the drum again. And, no, I am not fishing for more kudos, though they are nice. I am simply trying to settle into a new reality...a new identity. I am getting my things together and moving books and a couple of framed items to the pastor's study. Today is my first day in the office. I will unpack books and work on my sermon.
O loving Christ
who died upon the tree
Each day and each night
I remember your love.
In my lying down
and in my rising up
In life and in death
You are my health and my peace.
Each day and each night
I remember your forgiveness
Bestowed on me so gently
and generously
Each day and each night
may I be fuller in love to you.
There is no question that God has been in this process. A call process is a complicated piece of ecclesial wranging to say the least. And The Question is “Does God want us to be together?” The answer that has been discerned, of course, is “Yes.” And that is good news. What has made that bit of discernment possible for me is the understanding that God has been in the process all along. God is always with me...”in my lying down and in my rising.” God was in the process. God was in every meeting, gathering, and meal.
Life be in my speech
Truth in what I say.
The love Christ Jesus gave
Be filling every heart for me
The love Christ Jesus gave
Be filling me for everyone.
My fervent prayer is that the above will be the truth of my ministry...not only at Wilmette, but for all of God's creation. I am writing my sermon...Pentecost Sunday, you know...and wanting it to speak to the overflowing and generous Holy Spirit. It is a life-giving spring, one that fills us with God's love for us, helping us to learn to love one another. This is divine forbearance. Agape.
Bless to me O God
The earth beneath my feet.
Bless to me O God
The path on which I go.
Bless to me O God
The people whom I meet.
O God of all gods
bless to me my life.
Let my ministry at Wilmette begin this way. Let my ministry at Reconciler continue this way. And if it is God's will, let my ministry come to such an end as blesses all.
Thanks be to God.
Good luck, Tripp, and may the Good Lord be with you.
Mega-cross-denominational-vibes to the good people of the Community Church of Wilmette.
Posted by: Jorge Sanchez at June 1, 2006 08:38 AMOh, dear brother: The Lord bless and keep you as you begin this new ministry, may he make your work fruitful and generative of peace.
I am blessed to know you as friend.
Posted by: Clifton D. Healy at June 1, 2006 08:59 AMMy first trio rehearsal went well.
The musicians said when rehearsing the piece
by themselves they were like, "What is this?"
They said that after rehearsal and my explaining the piece, it makes sense.
I laughed and said, "YES! It makes sense that
the piece makes absolutely no sense!"
I am transitioning into a new identity thing
myself. I realize after 4 years I have been
greatly influenced by Maguy Marin's work and
an organization called Art Omi's music.
So, here I go! Off into..... Well, who knows what
it
is.
Thanks for your prayers. I am assuming that
your first official day as Rev is going well also. It seems like you are doing more than
just dipping your feet in the pool.
You are diving and are making a "Splash!"
Woo Hoo.
Sometimes, being that you are not the typical Baptist, when you sound like a typical Baptist (in this case it would be the Calvinist undertones of your writing; no this was not blatant, and perhaps I label all things reformed and all that emphasizes forebearance as Calvinist in its origin, even though you may be drawing from another well, but anyway I digress) I find myself surprised and even taken aback. Either way, reading your blog reminds me to stop and pray for Tripp and Trish and ask that they will be blessed.
Posted by: Jeffrey at June 1, 2006 12:25 PMAmen!
Today is the 5th anniversary of my first day in the office at Peakland Baptist Church, so my heart is "strangely warmed" by your reflections, your earnest desire, and your prayers.
The blessing of your call and the genuineness of your spirit have brought me grace this day. Amen!
Steve