Can't have nothing nice
"Can't have nothing nice." That was one of the claims my Grandfather would often raise. I think he was right. The other day I bought a shirt on sale that I really liked. I thought it made me look like a professional preacher, for I felt like I was ready to play golf. If you haven't noticed, the golf shirt has replaced that drab black clergy shirt ministers once wore. Well, like my Grandfather would say, "Can't have nothing nice." The third time I wore the shirt I spilled bleach on it when I was trying to clean something. My accident ruined the front of the shirt. "Can't have nothing nice."
Well today at church a family that has begun coming to church really tested my patience. I don't understand why parents are afraid to discipline and control their kids. I know some kids require extra grace, and sometimes kids have bad days just like grown ups; however, that is no excuse to allow your kids to have free reign at Church.
Some folks will say that people don't know how to act in church. I really don't think that is a valid excuse. If you walk into church you can see that most people aren't running around, children aren't climbing all over the altar rail, banging on the piano and organ, and messing with the altar tables.
As the pastor I want to model hospitality, but there is a limit to my tolerance. The parents' weren't too concerned about their children's behavior. I almost lost it, but I remembered the words of my Grandfather, "Can't have nothing nice." I realized this wasn't my battle and decided to let the family that donated the items that these kids were playing on to address the issue.
I guess I might have to teach a course on Church etiquette. I think the first lesson will be "Go ahead and realize, you can't have nothing nice."
Sat up at District Set up
So many of you all probably know that I am single. I have been for many years and even though my parsonage is lonely, I am not quite to the point where I want a new roommate. However, I don't think I want to stay single too much longer. Ministry is too hard to do it alone. I often wish I had someone to talk to late at night, and I can call a parishioner at late hours or one of newly wed friends even though they might be awake.
I must take after my grandfathers who were late getting into the marriage and dating scenes. Yet there are several folks that are trying their best to solve my dielema. There is a baptist lady who writes a weekly church column that I have never met, a clergy spouse, and some parishioners that are actively advertising that I am a single pastor.
I don't want to go too long, but let's just say it is a weird experience when you give your business card to a pastor, so his daughter can call you. Just ask me sometime about being Sat up at District Set up.
Greetings to friends from my new place
Tomorrow will mark two full months at my new appointment. Two months ago, I headed to a community and church that I knew only through passing. I never thought that I would be living in the place where I would often buy cheap gas, but I am here.
It is quite interesting where God's call and claim on our lives will take us. During the last days of Seminary I had no idea where I would be heading. To be honest I had my concerns. I was afraid that I would be spending some extra time living in the basement of my parents' home. Thanks to God, that isn't the case.
I have come to a place that I am beginning to call home. The church and community are friendly and welcoming. God is moving in my life and in the church. We have had a new member join by profession of faith and baptism. There are some people who are also wanting to be baptized. This is work that I can take no credit. This is work that has taken place through the Grace of God alone.
So friends, I say hello. And no matter where you might be at this moment, look around and think, this could be my future home.
