I consider that my ministry these days is to be Plan B. I don't want to lead worship every week but I want to lead occasionally. I want to make sure that other clergy can have the occasional break and that they don't have to worry when they are ill. I've been leading worship for nearly forty years so I can take a service at the drop of a hat.
But sometimes things are better planned than that. At the end of this month my friend E is going on an eleven week cruise so I will be on duty quite a few Sundays. E is also a volunteer: she was a divisional highways engineer in her "working" life but is now almost full time in ministry. When she's away I step into the breach for quite a lot of the worship leadership and pastoral care.
I will not be alone. This group of churches has a newly accredited lay minister who will be sharing services with me.
And no minister is ever alone. The One in whose name we minister is always alongside us
In my job, I used to have to do school assemblies for around 150 pupils aged 5-12 at the drop of a hat. I gathered resources over the years and pulled out the Assembly crate when needed including CDs as I can’t play an instrument. This usually occurred because our minister would forget/have another commitment so the duty was then mine. Catriona.
ReplyDeleteWell done you. I used to do assemblies but I don't think I'd have the energy now.
DeleteIt's in your blood. Easy for you to step in.
ReplyDeleteEleven week cruise? Wow!
They did a round the world jobby a couple of years ago and I covered for that.
DeleteI often stepped in to do school assemblies when I was a Supply Teacher.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed doing them when I was younger. The children gave such unexpected answers!
DeleteHave a lovely time being a most important part of the ministry team!
ReplyDeleteYour Plan B sounds ideal for you and for helping out in a way that works for you. When clergy are sick or need vacation they truly appreciate you stepping in for them, I am sure.
ReplyDeletePlan B is perfect, and it works for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.