Reverend Ref +

TO HELENA AND BACK

LOL -- sometimes I crack myself up.

Anyway ... I went to Helena today for an Admin Workshop. This was an opportunity for priests, vestry members and other interested parties to learn about church growth, outreach, the canons, and stewardship.

I had to make the presentation on church growth, being a member of the Commission on Mission Planning team.

I was a little . . . anxious . . . about the whole thing. I mean, I've been to ONE training session, and that was last year. Luckily I got to practice on an actual parish before the seminar. That went well, and I don't think we destroyed the parish. So anyway, I'm supposed to present some of this material at the seminar. Like what? I'm now an expert?? Give me a break.

I was first.

Well, that's always good . . . nothing to live up to. So I get up in front of the people and said, "I was chosen for this because since my tenure began at CC & VC, attendance has increased by 200 percent and 100 percent respectively, and I'm getting 10 percent of the population in church on Sundays. Of course, that changes a bit when you realize that I'm talking about a past ASA of 6 and 6, and a town population of 140."

I did the presentation, and it went well. People seemed to think I was charming, well-spoken, intelligent, and informative. A few people asked me for a business card to maybe set up a future appointment for me to come visit their parish. Wow ... who knew.

If I do go, I seriously hope I don't tank and they say, "We asked him out here for this???" Nobody ever accused me of overconfidence.