THE FIRST ONE

Tuesday I had to leave for Helena for a vicar's meeting with the bishop. This was a good thing if for no other reason than all of us serving assisted congregations got to hear that we are all in the same boat. Sometimes you can get isolated. It was also good to hear the bishop talk about some current diocesan issues.

This meant that I didn't go into VC on Tuesday; instead I worked a little from here, had a meeting with a couple that wants to get married in VC this summer and packed for my overnight in Helena. I also checked the mail.

I received a large envelope addressed to The Very Rev. and "Personal." Opening it up I was surprised to find a professionally printed brochure from a church and a letter inviting me to be part of their search process for a new rector.

Large parish. New building. PNW location. Ski resort town. Triple digit population in church. ASA about 20 times what I have now. More money than God.

But, after talking with a dear friend, praying over it, and speaking with my bishop, I came to the conclusion that this was not the right time for me to make a change. Maybe later, but not now.

So I sent a letter thanking them for thinking of me.

And now, life goes on in SW MT.