Reverend Ref +

I NEED A NAP

We all survived the weekend. The bishop arrived Saturday afternoon and met with the vestry of both churches. That went well and was informative. He made the point several times that, compared to his last visit, there has been a 180 degree turn in outlook and attitude.

Saturday evening he and his wife took my family out to dinner. Good food, good conversation, and just getting to know each other on a more personal level. I also found out some other information that is both exciting and a little scary. It seems that, as he begins to shape his ministry in the diocese, and reshape the diocese itself into a healthy and functional place, he wants to put me on some diocesan committees. Exciting because, well, it's a chance to play a leadership role in the diocese. Scary because, well, for the same reason. Different sides of the same coin.

"Oh, you mean now that I'm graduated and ordained and instituted, people actually take me seriously???"

Sunday came with a flurry. We invited the bishop and his wife over to our place for breakfast at 7:30. I did my famous "pancake art," sausage, hash browns and juice. It was a busy morning. The Kid requested a sea otter. I made a mitre for the bishop, an organ (kind of) for his wife (she plays), and the obligatory heart for Mrs. Ref.

After breakfast I met with the baptismal candidates and the confirmand to run through the service. We did a quick pre-game, filled out the forms, and got organized. After that quickie meeting, I got the church set up for the service.

Service started at 9, and we had 42 people at CC. It was wonderful. The organist once again played much too fast, but we all did our best. Got the baptisms and confirmation handled with minimal liturgical lapses, and we could barely move around the church during the Peace. Afterwards we had a great coffee hour with many goodies. And I mingled.

At 1, we headed up to VC for the Celebration of a New Ministry. I used the propers for William White because I thought it seemed appropriate for this particular time in the church. A couple of visiting clergy made it over for the service, and that was nice to have them be a part of it. I also managed to enlist several parishioners to present the traditional gifts -- bible, book of prayers, oil, stole, keys, and bread and wine.

We had 20 people at this later service. While not the turnout of the earlier one, and some disappointment that more of the CC "regulars" didn't make it up, it was still a great service. However, I am glad to be finished with it all. I'm still exhausted.

No time for naps, however, as I need to get ready for the pancake supper in VC on Tuesday (sorry, no pancake art here), the two Ash Wednesday services, and the usual Sunday fare. Did I mention that I'm really looking forward to my vacation in June.