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The Busy and Best!


It had been a busy weekend for me. 

Most of my weekends are busy. As Pastor of two churches who works a full time job with an hour and fifteen minute commute each way during the week.  Friday night and Saturday are the days that I put the finishing touches on the Sunday message, put together a PowerPoint presentation to go with the message, create the order of worship for the next Sunday and try to do some work around the yard and house.  Sunday’s are, hopefully, the positive culmination of all the busyness throughout the week.

This past weekend was one of the busiest of my pastoral career.  My schedule for the weekend included a wedding rehearsal on Friday, the wedding on Saturday, and two baptisms on Sunday.  In order to have everything done, I spent Wednesday and Thursday evenings completing the Sunday Sermon and worship preparation for the next week.

So Friday and Saturday, I was able to concentrate on the needs of the wedding party.  The wedding was beautiful and I was honored to be a part of the couple’s big day. 

Sunday morning began with the first of two worship services to include a baptism.  The first service saw a pretty, precocious, five year old girl be baptized and accepted into the care of the congregation.  As the service began, I was already spirit charged from the afterglow of the wedding the day before.  By the end of that first service, the spiritual charge was carrying me as I was beginning to feel physically drained.

When I arrived at the second Church for the second service, I found a large group of visitors ready to witness the baptism of baby boy who was perhaps six months old.  I took a deep breath and prayed for the energy, grace and spirit to lead the worship.

As I took the little boy to complete the baptism, he was all smiles.  He was perfectly calm as the sacrament was completed.  I then carried him through the congregation, introducing him and explaining the responsibility they have to provide a place of safety and learning for this child and all children.  As I finished, I looked at the baby and he put his arms around my neck and gave me a big hug.  An “Awe” arose from the congregation and I was flying.  

I completed the rest of the service, gave the message that I have planned on the lectionary text for the day while the Spirit of God gave me the strength, the word and the joy needed.

So God’s Grace took one of my busiest weekends ever and turned it into one of my best weekend’s ever.



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