Tuesday marked one year since I began my job at the church. You
know me well enough to know that milestones are very meaningful to me, but this
one reduced me to actual tears.
December
8 (which was a Sunday last year) was the day the church voted to affirm me as
the new Pastor of Congregational Care, and that day was so emotionally charged for
me. I thought they would vote affirmatively, but I did not have the assurance
that they would. The moment they brought the news, I started shaking and
crying. (And then I had to get back up in front of the church!)
I began
work the very next day and really didn’t know where to begin. I spent those
first few days doing a lot of planning, brainstorming, and dipping my toes
cautiously in the waters of ministry, hoping I would do it right.
And now
it’s been a full year. Over twenty-two hundred hours. I’ve been sitting in
reflection throughout the week, but I am still not sure I’ve fully absorbed all
that this year has brought.
I haven’t
done everything perfectly. I have a list of things I want to do better next
year. But today I want to celebrate the things that feel like the best of this first
year.
I’ve learned so many names and life stories. Ryan and
I had attended this church for two and a half years before I was hired, and I
had learned a lot about the people who call it home, but we are a big (to me!)
church and growing, so there are always names and stories to learn. I am grateful
for all the new friends I’ve made over this past year, and I am really excited
to learn even more!
I had a blast creating resources. I’ve made dozens of
resources for our deacons and hospitality team and for the groups and classes I’ve
taught over the year. I had so much fun making them, and I love it that they
feel more equipped to do what they’re called to do in lay ministry and
learning. I will keep right on creating and sharing!
I had the privilege of trying many things. In
addition to all the things on my regular to-do list, I had the privilege of
sharing messages, teaching studies and classes, helping with a baptism and baby
dedication, and probably a few more things that aren’t coming to mind right
now. Jonathan said he had never seen anyone do so many things in one year’s
time, and that all I missed was a wedding and funeral!
The Lord gave me some great ideas. I had some
creative ideas for several of my ministry areas and enjoyed implementing them.
God’s nudges are the best!
I tried to care for all ages and stages. People think
of the “care pastor” as just meeting with old people, but I wanted to reach out
to those of all ages. I met with young and old alike and appreciate the chance
to invest in all their lives.
I learned so much. I read a ton of
books. I went to conferences and webinars. I took some classes. I had
conversations with my coworkers and prayer warriors. I learned so many things
that are so meaningful to me. Some things I learned from trial and
error/success. Others I learned in a more academic way. But for all of it, I’m
grateful I learned.
I am
profoundly grateful for this year. I am grateful for our congregation and their
kindness to me. I am grateful for my fellow staff members and their warm
welcome. And I am grateful for Ryan, who rolled with everything so beautifully.
He was my number one support, standing beside me, praying over me, and carrying
me when I was tired.
I have
no idea how many years God will allow me to serve, but I sure am glad for this
first year!
