Being a Pastor is a Funny Business . . .

Lately folks in the congregation have been touching base with me and asking how things are going. It often comes in the form of some variation on the question, “Are you still glad you’re here?” To which I always reply that I am, indeed, still glad I’m here. It is such a privilege and a joy to be your pastor. I love my job. And one of the things which I appreciate most about being your pastor is the opportunity to share life with you – in joyful celebrations, painful struggles, everyday happenings, all of it. Such sharing is a large part of what keeps me coming back for more and why I’m still a pastor after more than thirty years. Being a pastor is a funny business. I’m not any holier than anyone else. Not any more perfect. Not any more gifted. Not any more anything. What I am is grateful for the extraordinary privilege of being a representative for the church, and sometimes for God. It means that when I walk into a hospital room wearing my pastor hat I bring the whole congregation and all of their prayers with me. It means I have the opportunity to allow the presence of the Sacred to shine through me and into the lives of those I meet. And the only way for any of this to happen is if you participate in the process by inviting me to share those moments with you. When you are in the hospital I want to come visit you. When you have a special anniversary or other family celebration I would love the opportunity to offer my best wishes. When something happens around the church I hope you’ll make sure I know about it (because sometimes I don’t). I always appreciate an invitation to visit you in your home, or meet you for tea, or get together for lunch. I look forward to opportunities for sharing life with you. Together may we continue to be the church God is calling us to be.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)