The Bible talks about Sabbath a lot (I'm not going to preach here; no scripture texts to look up). I've talked a lot about Sabbath with my spiritual director. I THINK about Sabbath a lot! But I'm not very good at taking Sabbath time. Sure, I get a day off a week, but usually it is not a Sabbath day, because mostly, I use it to catch up on things I haven't managed to get done on my working days.
Now, I am NOT whining. I do take time for reading for pleasure whenever I can. I do retreat to my crafting area as often as I can, and lose myself in creativity for a couple of hours. Carl and I do manage to see a movie, or go on a hike, or just bum around Ollie's from time to time. But that's not really Sabbath either.
This next week, I am taking a week of vacation. We are camping, my favorite activity in the world. Out in nature, even when the weather is less than desirable, even when there are bugs and mud, still, I am able to relax and really notice God's creation all around. That's more like what Sabbath is meant to be.
This next week, as Carl and I camp, we'll be close enough to our daughter and son-in-law to be able to visit them and enjoy Harper Adelle, our adorable granddaughter! My plan is to rest, relax, nap a lot, read for fun, and cuddle Harper. In the act of just getting away from my regular activities, my hope is that my mind and my spirit will be renewed, and I'll return to "pastoral duty" refreshed and energized and ready for the next round of activities.
I would ask for your prayers as we travel with our camper, and that we are able to really relax and be refreshed as we enjoy our family and God's wonderful world. Pray, also, that we would feel the Creator's presence and blessing at every moment.
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
I don't know if it is just me or not, but it seems as if there is something different in our worship services these days. The same people are leading worship; you have the same preacher you've had for almost three years now, and we're using the same musical instruments and pretty much the same voices. But there is something... fresh..., even though we really have not changed our style of worship. I think, I HOPE, it is a new awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. I've been saying for months the Spirit is working here, but somehow, now, it seems more obvious, and especially in our worship services.
I don't know about you, but as we move through the weeks of Eastertide toward the celebration of Pentecost, I'm getting excited to see where the Holy Spirit is leading us! So many activities, so many folks getting involved in different and new (for them, at least) ways. I am filled with such anticipation! I hope you can feel the excitement in the air!
And of course, our Pentecost celebration will be even bigger than usual, since we are also celebrating the completion of Phase One of our roof project. We'll have extra visual aids in the sanctuary, red geraniums (and don't forget to WEAR red!) as well as other surprises. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Dan Bryant, will be worshiping with us, and we hope to have several of the contractors and others who helped make our roof project a success in attendance as well.
So as we look ahead with great joy and anticipation, let's also be in prayer that we continue to sense God's presence with us, and that we are open to God's guidance for whatever comes next!
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
As I write this, it is, gloriously, still sunny outside my study window. Spring is in the air! Even though we have had a fairly mild winter, I look forward to seeing more of the sun, and being able to go outside without layers and layers of clothing.
Spring always makes me think of new life, and Lent, the season leading up to the wonderful Easter Sunday celebration, usually causes me to do some reflection. This year is no different. I have so much to be thankful for: a loving family (which includes a darling granddaughter), faithful friends, a caring congregation, a cozy place to live.... yes, I could go on and on and on. Sometimes I do take my blessings for granted, though, and so, especially during the introspective Lenten time, I pause and examine myself for signs of new life. My hope is that I continue, always, to grow, in a variety of ways. Of course I want to grow in faith, and grow ever closer to Jesus. I want to grow my skills in pastoral care and leadership so that this congregation will draw closer to Jesus, as well.
Signs of new life are abundant here in CFUMC, if we pay attention. I am not going to detail them here; observe for yourself! Watch God at work in the hearts of our church family, and expect great things!
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
A week or so ago I asked for your prayers as I prepared to interview with the Board of Ordained Ministry to determine whether I am ready to be ordained an Elder in The United Methodist Church. I am pleased (and proud) to report that the answer this time was YES!!! I thank you for your prayers--this time around, honestly, I was not very nervous at all, but went into each interview confident that I am doing ministry and doing it well. I felt that all three interviews went very well, and apparently the interview teams felt the same.
So, the evening of June 19th, Hoover Auditorium in Lakeside, OH I will be ordained an Elder! I invite each and every one of you to attend the ordination service--it is always so special and just a great time of worship. There will also be a party following, at the house we have rented for the week, 409 Sycamore. Details to come as the time gets closer.
In closing tonight's blog, I'd just like to thank you again, for prayers and encouragement and love. It has been a long long journey--and it's been good to have you along. I can hardly wait to see what God has planned for me next! I know it's something wonderful!!
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
Read Bishop Hopkin's statement here:
I admit it, I am a procrastinator. I am not nearly as bad as I used to be; fact is, in the ministry you just never know what unexpected event will need your attention next. So, I do try to plan ahead and be prepared and organized and all the rest. However, there are times when I just get... tired. And lazy. This afternoon was one of those times. I did things at home to delay coming to my church study to work. Even though it will feel really good to clear off my desk, file my notes, put the sermon on the website, prepare children's packets for the month, etc. etc. etc. I really just wanted to stay at home curled up with a good book. I guess that just says, I'm human, like the rest of you!
Some thoughts before I settle in to actually getting my desk cleared off though: one, I do not know how many followers I have, but if you are reading this before Tuesday, Feb. 28th, I covet your prayers. This is the day I meet with the Board of Ordained Ministry, for a day of interviews as they determine my readiness for ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Some of you know that I went before the Board last year, and was "continued." They felt, for some reason, that I was not yet ready for ordination. I've worked hard this year to address the issues I was told I needed to work on. I believe I have done good ministry here in Columbiana. My papers are well-written, I believe, and I think that my letters of reference are suitable. However, I'm still nervous, and knowing that I have many prayers being sent up will help my confidence, and so I ask for your fervent prayers that I be able to articulate (well, and coherently!) the things I am already doing practically. I look forward to inviting you all to a BIG PARTY in Lakeside when I am ordained in June.
So there, now it's "out there." My fear has been expressed and addressed, and I've made myself vulnerable to you, my readers. I am just like you--with dreams and expectations, fears and anxiety. But even as I admit and confess those emotions, I also confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I know that God is with me at every moment. I really do NOT need to fear. God has my back, as I do ministry, and as I interview. (But I still ask for your prayers for calm and wisdom and a clear mind!)
Blessings and JOY!
Pastor Paula
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Well, what to say about Advent that hasn't already been said, many times? The surprise is, as always, that God is full of surprises! I just want to share with all my readers (all 2 of you) that I've been reminded, again, just what a privilege it is to be a pastor, and specifically YOUR pastor at CFUMC.
As I shared in my sermon this morning (and which you can read on another page of our website here), God opened my eyes to a new insight as I prepared the message. I admit that I often preach to myself, and this was another one of those occasions. I get so caught up in the preparations for the coming of the Christ Child during Advent, trying to get every service just so, obtain the perfect gift for each person on my list, decorate the house beautifully, etc. etc. that I forget what all the preparation is for. I'm obsessing about "me" stuff and losing sight of the Babe in the manger. Forgive me, Lord.
It's more than just spending extra time in prayer and meditation; it's a way of life that I yearn for--spending each moment in prayer and recognition of God's presence with me. And that means past Advent and Christmas and Epiphany--that means, for all time! Advent is a perfect time to "practice the presence," won't you join me?
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
This is Harper Adelle Morris, born to Carla and Christopher Nov. 20, 2011. Bear with me; she is my first grandchild, and I fear I am turning into one of those obnoxious grandmas who shows pictures at the drop of a hat (or less!).
Anyway, as I held Harper in my arms when she was only a couple of hours old, I was overwhelmed with awe at the miracles God brings. When I fell in love with my husband, Carl, all those years ago, who knew what joy would come from our relationship, and how that joy would continue and grow in all different sorts of ways. Harper is the newest reminder of the hope we have because God loves us so much. How else to explain the process by which a mother gives birth?? Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made--and here is a brand new example. Thank you God, for my family, and for the reminder of how much you love your children.
I am a list-maker, and my lists have gotten out of control! Since Carl and I are leaving on the trip of a lifetime in a little over a week, there are lots of last-minute details to take care of, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Worship plans, pastoral coverage, pet care, packing, exchanging money, cameras with extra memory, visits to parishioners, final copies of Chrysalis talk and paperwork for Board of Ordained Ministry, etc. etc. make it seem as if I'll never get it all done in time.
But I know that this "Lands of the Bible" trip is a God-thing, and so I trust that what God wants me to accomplish before we leave, God will direct me to finish. I do ask for your prayers, however, as I tie up loose ends and prepare to travel. I look forward to walking where Jesus walked, to learning more about the history of the Christian faith, and also to just basking in God's love, resting and relaxing.
As we look forward to the next few months here at church, you might be feeling overwhelmed as well. Trunk or Treat, which seemed SO far away when we began to plan, is coming up fast. The next Coffee Connection is also rapidly approaching. And then, ADVENT! Christmas! Where are the months going??
All the more reason, as we see days rapidly flying by, to immerse ourselves in the spiritual disciplines and to make sure our relationship with our Creator is what it should be. Drink in the scriptures, set aside time for prayer, and don't forget to attend worship! We don't know the hour or the day--and I want to spend eternity with God and with you! Invite Christ into your heart NOW! Live that lifestyle pleasing to your heavenly Father--don't wait another day. (don't even wait until you finish crossing off everything on your list--do it now!)
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula
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