tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16121319142277831252024-03-13T04:58:11.064-07:00Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-18943668933287782872014-10-08T19:49:00.001-07:002014-10-08T19:49:42.550-07:00Today...The Roller Coaster of LifeToday was a day where I would have just loved to be able to step off the day. And watch it spin by. To stop being a part of this crazy combination of joy and pain of present and past. Of sin and forgiveness. <br />
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My previous call was a challenge dear reader, to put it mildly. If you were there with me, or knew me then, you know it took everything in my being to stay. To put up with what I did. To love the people and not be dragged down by the brokenness. The broken system. <br />
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And today we find out that the system was even more broken than we knew. Even more sin filled. Even more in pain. And my heart hurts for them. For those in my past who continue to have to relive those moments of pain, of anger, of shame.<br />
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And then I ride the roller coaster up...up to the present where I walk my dog down a country road and am thankful for the peacefulness here. Thankful for the quiet. Thankful for these people among whom have called me and blessed me with a chance to teach, to preach, and to care for them.<br />
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And then, quick speeding down again...a confirmation class where no one seems to care, where no one comes prepared. Where my heart and soul feel a bit trampled as kids blow this stuff off as something that doesn't matter.<br />
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And in my head, I want to yell...but it does matter, don't you see? Because there are broken people and broken systems. And you might not be part of it now, but you will be some day. You might be lucky now, but evil will invade. You might be in a protected place now, but we are fragile creatures...and don't you know that you need these tools I am offering? Don't you know that it easier to build your faith now when life is good, then to try to pick up broken pieces when it all falls apart.<br />
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It's a roller coaster dear reader, and some days I just want to get off. I want to get off and watch it go flying by and be thankful for a break. But then I take a deep breath. I pray. I crawl back into the seat next to God, and away we go again. Because this is the call we have been given. To minister in the valley and on the mountain...on the prairie and on the plain.<br />
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Thanks be to God that He sits beside us.<br />
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Grace and peace,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-51815967542307644072014-05-02T16:30:00.001-07:002014-05-02T16:30:53.741-07:00Working Hard...with the Devil at My HeelsThis week has been an interesting one to say the least for me. Filled with challenges to my spirit, my body, and my emotions. I still am so very thankful and blessed to be here, and I cannot help but wonder if it is when things seem to start to go well that the devil feels like he must jump in and shake things up.<br />
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I've been struggling with a flooded basement, and after having been sick for 3+ weeks, finally started to feel better, and now am struggling with energy but no appetite. <br />
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It is one of those days that I wish I had a close friend nearby to talk to, and to help me find something that sounds good to eat that wouldn't make me instantly nauseous.<br />
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But in the midst of my whining? I am thankful. Thankful for a sunny day and a beautiful walk with my dog. Thankful to be called to this small town where I am pastor to the community, and feel like I am finally one of them. Thankful that at least at this point, drama at my call has been at a minimum, and God is still at work through me here.<br />
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I pray that I can shake this feeling of the devil at my heels. Pray that instead of looking back, knowing he will catch me, I can start looking forward, knowing I've already been caught and am being held tight.<br />
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I hope wherever this finds you, dear partner on this journey, that you can feel peace and hope, and filled with the light of Christ.<br />
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Your friend,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-86608409567355159702014-01-15T07:35:00.000-08:002014-01-15T07:35:48.759-08:00Back into boxes...Well dear reader, looks like I will be moving again. This time not to a new call, but to the town where I serve. <br />
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I have some pretty big hesitations about moving into such a small community. But I am hoping that God can use this leap of faith for good. That living in the community will help them to realize that I am "buying in" to who they are, and committing to living and working among them.<br />
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But having lived in a rural community before, I know that it can be hard too. So I am asking for your prayers dear reader...as I begin another transition, and as I let go of another address and place where I called home. <br />
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If you have any suggestions on how to get re-settled into a SMALL community, I would welcome them.<br />
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Peace to you in this cold winter days, <br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-18718545542268156812013-08-22T14:16:00.000-07:002013-08-22T14:16:12.558-07:00The Parched Places<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Weeks like this one in ministry, never fail to amaze me. I spent most of today re-reading my ordination and installation vows, and praying for the strength to keep going. It has been a tough week of challenges to my spirit and my physical health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But as I was trying my best to get a sermon put together for the weekend, I read the first lesson assigned to Sunday and smiled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the
finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy
the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your
gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and
satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall
be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never
fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the
foundations of many generations; you shall called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in.” -Isaiah 58:9b-12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These are the weeks dear blog reader that though we feel in parched places that we need to know the Lord will guide us and satisfy our needs...These are the weeks that although we feel bone tired, we need to remember that the Lord will repair and restore us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, even though I have a meeting that I am thoroughly stressed about happening in 45 minutes? I am going to lean on the Lord, and do my best to follow his leading. I am going to do my best to trust in his guiding...and I am going to know "down to my toenails" (as a certain Hebrew prof would say) that I am in God's arms, and nothing can separate me from his love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Peace to you dear reader, may you feel the arms of God today-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Preaching Kate</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-65074414828343554902013-08-15T12:40:00.000-07:002013-08-15T12:40:07.313-07:00Momma said there'd be days like this...I have found it interesting as of late that when I am struggling that life finds ways of bringing me even lower. I thought I was doing an okay job in this call...and today the council president came in and said that folks are upset because I was gone too many worship services in a row. <br />
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Now truth be told, dear blog reader, I was in the building for the first worship service, but had no part in the service as they had hired a band to do the service. I saw no point in having to be present...apparently this upset folks...I was packing and printing forms for the trip we were able to leave on...and thought my time could be better spent. I ended up being actually present for about 75% of the service...or concert, but apparently that wasn't enough..<br />
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Then I missed two Sundays in a row. The first I had 19 kids and 4 adults down on a combination mission and fun weekend in the Twin Cities. I was certainly working as I was the one leading the trip, and had planned all our activities. The following weekend I WAS on vacation. <br />
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But I guess folks are upset with my being gone...which makes me wonder what on earth else I can do. I finally start to set some healthy boundaries and do some real self-care and it feels like that makes them mad.<br />
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What's a pastor to do, dear blog reader? The council president asked me to not be gone more than 1 Sunday in a row, working or not. Which means, if I am to lead our kids on a possible mission trip that we had planned for next summer, I am gone for 13 days, and need to preach the morning after we return. I just don't think that is good for anyone. But then, maybe what I think doesn't matter.<br />
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Maybe it is better to lead when you are exhausted than to be gone and renew yourself. I tend to not agree...but it surely seems it is what they want. Got any advice dear reader? This pastor is kind of feeling a bit lost. Thanks for reading....<br />
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Your partner in Christ,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-85882818544893837722013-05-21T10:28:00.000-07:002013-05-21T10:28:12.165-07:00Needing New Batteries<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey readers...Preaching Kate here...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you ever have days where you feel like your batteries are dead? Cause it is how I feel today. After DAYS of rain, and no sun, and lots of heavy ministry stuff (not busy, but feeling emotionally invested in lots of areas), I feel like I am the little wind up toy bent over, not able to get a grip on stuff today. I am crabby and can't change it. Blah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So how do you recharge your batteries? Do you ever take a day away without declaring it? Do you consider it a vacation day? How do you find ways to find sunshine on days when you feel like you should be building an ark?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Help a preacher out reader...and bring some sunshine this way. I promise I will do the same for you, next time you need new batteries!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your sister on the journey,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preaching Kate</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-62314864656489757582012-08-03T18:55:00.001-07:002012-08-03T18:55:39.331-07:00Learning the lines...Well blog friends,<br />
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I don't even know where to begin. I have a new senior pastor who is a nice guy. The church is thrilled that he is here, and I am glad to see them excited.<br />
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But I don't know how to respond to his telling me that he doesn't think we can work together, and asking me to turn in my paperwork. I have done so, but just am flabbergasted to not even get a chance to show him who I am, or the pastor I am in this place.<br />
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My heart, to be honest is feeling pretty stomped on, and I struggle with knowing how to recover from this. I am doing my best to be the pastor he and everyone else expects me to be. To put on the happy face, to tell people that I am excited that he is here, to do my best to be positive and upbeat...<br />
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But I am going home completely exhausted at the end of every day. I feel as though I am walking on eggshells, and all it will take is the one mis-step and I will have no job at all.<br />
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This call has been for me, the most challenging of my life, and if I had to look back over my entire life, probably the most challenging year of my life so far. I long for a place where I can do ministry, where I can be pastor, and where I won't be expected to work until I drop. I long for a call where I feel I am supposed to be, where I feel like God is using me, where I feel like the Word is being preached not only through our words but also through our actions.<br />
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Blogging friends, this pastor is doing her best to keep the faith, and hold to the promises I made at my ordination and installation, but I have never in my life been this weary or felt this alone. It has gone from being a tough place to be to almost being impossible. <br />
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Please keep me in your prayers as I wait and pray for my paperwork to be received by congregations in 6 different synods. Please pray for guidance as I wait and pray for clarity to know where God is calling me next. And most importantly? Please pray that I have the strength to make it through this next transition. I know that with God all things are possible, and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose...could just use some friends to keep reminding me of that these days.<br />
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How about you blogger friends? How is life going for you lately? Where have you seen God at work? <br />
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Praying and thanking God for each of you,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-21581350108811276942012-07-07T06:10:00.001-07:002012-07-07T06:10:50.049-07:00Gearing up and letting go...As I write this post, I such a jumble of emotions...excited to be taking kids to the Youth Gathering, nervous to be the primary adult for 30...sad that our Children's Ministry Director resigned, worried about what that means for our kids this fall...and apprehensive as a new senior pastor is chomping at the bit to come in and join the staff. <br />
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I am doing my best to go into these days and weeks with an open mind, and a willing heart, but am also admittedly a bit distracted as my paperwork us out, and I will, God-willing be on the move again. <br />
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I really am tired of moving. I recently realized that I have moved 7 times in the last 12 years. And let me tell you, the idea of packing it all up again, of finding a new place, unpacking, and meeting another new group of people is overwhelming to this tired spirit. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I like the unpacking...I like the meeting new people, hearing their stories, investing in their lives. But the packing, the closure, the saying good-byes yet again? It feels like I just arrived. <br />
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But I know it is best for me...and for the congregation too. I have done my best to get them thru some incredibly challenging days and weeks. I have done my best to give them the gospel while I listen to their hurts and help them heal. <br />
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As I go into this Youth Gathering journey, it is for me a symbol of what I hope my next steps in ministry will be...being open to new things, meeting new people, following Christ and doing God's work through my hands. <br />
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So let the adventures begin my friends, for we know the Lord goes with us. <br />
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Traveling Mercies,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-35902217117745463592012-04-28T12:00:00.001-07:002012-04-28T12:00:33.453-07:00Facebook woesHey blogosphere. I made the mistake of posting a frustrated comment on my Facebook. A member of my congregation saw it and emailed me to say they are disappointed and think it is inappropriate. I took the post down and explained the circumstances. <br />
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But my hurt heart and struggle remain. I am feeling left out to dry in some ways by the place I am serving. I have no safe place to share concerns and frustrations anymore, having had my trust broken by leadership. <br />
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What's a pastor to do blogosphere? My heart needs a place it can be real, and is searching in vain to find that place. What would you do? Where do you go to find support?<br />
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Your friend,<br />
Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-5395308753217686322012-03-03T10:50:00.003-08:002012-03-03T10:58:37.787-08:00Too tired for words...Today, as I try to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), to get the sermon done for this weekend, I find myself overly exhausted. I am not sure what is going on...I have had a quieter week than normal, have done a better job of taking care of myself, working out, eating healthier, and yet still find myself with no words to say. I would give a lot for someone else to come in and preach, and just be able to sit and listen to the gospel. Not have to lead liturgy, but be able, like most of our people in the pews to walk into the building, enjoy some fellowship time, worship with the people sitting next to me, and go home to enjoy the rest of a Sabbath Sunday.<br /><br />But instead, I find myself here again, at the keyboard, with nothing to say on this week's texts, and no good ideas on where to find the words. I have been "working" on this sermon longer than most, and it still doesn't exist. These are the days that I wish I was a 9-5 worker, with some true sabbath time on the weekends.<br /><br />The perhaps most ironic thing, is that I had last weekend to not preach. I had last weekend to not do liturgy. And now I long for it more than last weekend!<br /><br />But honestly, if I had to pick the thing that is missing most from these weary preaching bones, it is true friendship. Someone I can call up on days like today, and meet for coffee and talk through the text and get a renewed perspective. I long for my friends near my last call...and try to continue to make it through this one.<br /><br />So, those of you out in the blogosphere, how do you preach when your tank is running on empty? Any suggestions for this weary pastor?<br /><br />Your friend on the good days and the hard ones,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-37419457891963965262011-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:002011-11-28T19:43:47.383-08:00Tonight's PrayerToday was a day that was challenging to my spirit...and I am not quite sure why. But I found myself standing in the sanctuary tonight, in the dark, tears streaming down my face, praying the simple prayer: "<strong>Help me be better tomorrow</strong>". I failed in so many ways today...letting the negative energy around me affect me, agreeing with those around me who see little hope. My prayer tonight, as I finally head home is that tomorrow is better...that it has more light, more hope, and that that hope can be my focus.<br /><br />If you are out there friends and readers, pray with me tonight..."help us be better tomorrow. Amen."<br /><br />Your friend on the journey,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-59415996607268801652011-09-23T15:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:05:18.360-07:00Love is in the air...so is fall.As I write this blog update, I am getting ready for another wedding. There have been a lot this year, as couples both young, and not so young make the decision to spend the rest of their lives together. As a single pastor, I find myself, per the usual with a roller coaster of emotions during wedding prep. I am happy for the couple, that they have found each other. I am hopeful that they have a good amount of love and common sense that will see them through the highs and lows that married life brings. And at the same time, I am a bit sad, as another week, month, year goes by that I myself am not married...at least not to anyone or anything but the church! I often joke with people that I wouldn't have time for a husband anyway...but I cannot help but wonder what it would look like to be married...to be a mother...to be something more than a single pastor. So how about it blog-o-sphere? Any suggestions for getting through the difficult times that weddings tend to bring this single gal? Until I hear from you, I'll be the one setting up the Unity Candle!<br /><br />Your sister in Christ,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-56449473107212009622011-08-24T16:40:00.000-07:002011-08-24T16:45:17.869-07:00Fish Out of WaterToday dear reader, I feel like I am a fish out of water...or maybe just one that has found itself in the wrong pond.
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<br />I am completely buried in what it means to be a program church...hundreds of registration forms and e-mails and questions, and last minute changes, and on and on.
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<br />And today? Today I miss my first call where I could just go and be pastor to the people. Where a typical day was when that I spent with people, walking through life with them for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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<br />Maybe it is because I have spent all day in the office and have no end of work to do in site...or maybe it is because I have been here six months and still feel like I don't really know anyone well. Or maybe because I miss the chance to breathe and see God at work in the world...or maybe it is all of these.
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<br />But today, I am longing for my smaller pond...where there were fish I could swim with, a pace I could do, and a place where I felt like I was doing well.
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<br />How about it dear reader? What do you do when you feel like a fish out of water? How do you transition from the pond to the ocean?
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<br />Let me know!
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<br />Peace on the journey,
<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-55949976219893369852011-08-10T12:33:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:37:17.144-07:00Still stretching...A few months in, I still am stretching, reaching, trying to figure out why God called me here, and what He wants me to do in this place. As my call gets reconfigured once again, and more staff transitions, all I seek to do is follow His lead, and do His will.
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<br />But today? Today I am tired...and weary, and wishing that I could have a chance to get away from it all, be around friends who support and love me, and have my own cup renewed so that I could come back, ready to serve, and ready for fall.
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<br />So dear reader...how do you get away when things are taking off? How, when you are short staffed does everything get done that needs to while you walk away?
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<br />I know Jesus models for us the importance of getting away, but sometimes I wonder how He did it while everyone was clamoring for his attention.
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<br />Any ideas, dear reader? This preacher is up for some new advice!
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<br />Traveling Mercies,
<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-67166388971936260562011-03-29T10:38:00.000-07:002011-03-29T10:42:56.467-07:00Needing AirThis week I have been learning that as an internal processor, I just need time to breathe that it appears that external processors don't need. I find it almost impossible to go from one conversation to the next without at least a minute or two of downtime in between. <br /><br />This morning started with four people in my office within the first 10 minutes! I need to figure out a way to let people know that absolutely, you can have my full attention, but let me find my feet first! Let me have those couple of minutes in between things so that I can be more fully present, and ready to hear you for what you are truly saying.<br /><br />So I am asking dear bloggers, do you need that space? Do you get that space? Any suggestions for a newbie preacher?<br /><br />For that is who I am, new to staff, new to the state, and new to this adventure.<br /><br />Your partner in the ministry,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-51169523584179136732011-03-22T09:37:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:42:36.304-07:00Where's the Word?I am prepping for my first "preaching" Sunday this week, and came to the realization that at most of the worship services here at this church, people are ONLY hearing the gospel lesson. Now I know the theory that some scripture is better than no scripture, but perhaps instead of using film clips or having another song, we should cut some of that and have more scripture? Just a pondering on my part. <br /><br />As a lover of music, I am one who usually says you can't have too much music in worship. Maybe the problem is the "need" to get in and out of worship in an hour for traffic flow issues. As I sit in my office, trying to figure out how to fit it all in, I can't help but wonder what does God think about it? <br /><br />We don't have time in worship to read the Word of God? It hurts my heart! So blogoshpere friends, what say you? How do we fit in more scripture, still get out in an hour, and keep everyone relatively happy? And trust me, shorter sermons are just fine with me!<br /><br />Also, if you were only to read the gospel and one other lesson, which one would you choose? I would love your insight!<br /><br />Blessings on your day,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-73747181876584312942011-03-21T12:40:00.000-07:002011-03-21T12:43:53.406-07:00Empty CupToday we learned that the senior pastor will be telling the rest of the staff of his situation. I approach this with a combination of relief (finally everyone on staff on the same page) and apprehension (how will they all react?). I cannot imagine how he is feeling. I find it difficult, because I know that he needs a pastor in these moments, but also know that I am not at a place where I can offer that to him. I can support him, but also need to support the rest of the staff, and however they are feeling after tomorrow.<br /><br />So, oh wise blog readers, today the question is...when you are new to a community, when you are new to a congregation, where do you go to get YOUR cup filled? I believe we cannot give to others when we are running on empty. And today, quite honestly? I am feeling just that.<br /><br />Praying that God is filling your cups today,<br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612131914227783125.post-70258575140376496422011-03-17T15:14:00.001-07:002011-03-17T15:16:32.514-07:00Broken Trust, Leaning HardToday I start this blog somewhere between a heavy heart and huge excitement. I am new to the call where I am, but have already had broken trust with the senior pastor. <br /><br />It is a difficult place to be, and a hard place to start. But I am doing my best to lean on the Lord and trust in His guiding.<br /><br />Where God is, may my heart be also.<br /><br />How do you deal with broken trust? Especially when you barely know the person who broke it? Such an interesting way to start. Any advice out there blogosphere?<br /><br />Preaching KateUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2