Last weekend it felt more like I was on vacation. This weekend was different. Maybe the gloomy weather didn't help, but there was a "this is your new reality" aspect to it that was unsettling. I think most unsettling is not knowing where "home" is regarding a parish. I don't plan on making a decision on that anytime soon, so that unsettledness will likely only grow. Still, it was wonderful to worship with the saints at Zion, Carpenter in a most reverent Divine Service, and to receive the gifts in both preaching and in the Sacrament.
Pr. Wilken told me that it took him some time when he first began the radio ministry to get used to actually relaxing on the weekends. I can see what he meant.
Right now I'm rather itching to begin the new call and figure out how life will be with an entirely new routine and set of responsibilities. So, despite being rather nervous about tomorrow (the first official day at Synod), I'm also relishing the thought of digging into the tasks that there await. And I can't get Luther's sacristy prayer out of my mind for it, especially the last line:
Lord God, You have appointed me as a Bishop and Pastor in Your Church, but you see how unsuited I am to meet so great and difficult a task. If I had lacked Your help, I would have ruined everything long ago. Therefore, I call upon You: I wish to devote my mouth and my heart to you; I shall teach the people. I myself will learn and ponder diligently upon Your Word. Use me as Your instrument -- but do not forsake me, for if ever I should be on my own, I would easily wreck it all.
P.S. And did I mention that tomorrow is CALL DAY? Hmm? Eager to find out where Dean, Lauren and my grandson will be serving and living!
5 comments:
In case you wanted to meditate on that prayer by singing:
Lord, You Have Called Me to Your Service
1. Lord, You have called me to Your service
To teach Your Church and preach the Word.
I am unworthy of this Office.
I am unfit to serve You, Lord.
Since You have called me all the same,
I call upon Your holy name.
2. It is my glad and greatest pleasure
To consecrate my mind and heart,
That I may serve You in this measure
And to Your saints Your Word impart.
Without Your grace and holy aid
I would allow Your Word to fade.
3. Your Word will be my one companion
To occupy my every thought.
Please use me in Your congregation.
In Your great love, forsake me not.
I pray You, let me not destroy
The means of grace which You employ. Amen.
(c) Alan Kornacki, Jr.
98 98 88
Tune: O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HATTE (KONIG) (LSB 811)
26 1/2 hours.
Excellent, Pr. K.
Lew, less than that....
I think Dean is the only person whose fate interests me tonight! There may be others, but there aren't any that come to mind right away.
He is in my prayers.
you're right... 6 1/2 hours.
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