Installed

Two weeks ago today I got installed at First Lutheran in Concord, and already it seems like a long time ago...well, I've been pretty busy since then. I've had one graveside committal and two memorial services, as well as numerous meetings with people, hospital visits, and lunches.

The installation went well, and there was a thorough report of it in the CNH District newsletter, but there was one moment that really stuck out to me. To be totally honest, I knew that it was coming, but I wasn't prepared for how it would make me feel.

In the service, one of the members who has an absolutely amazing voice started singing "Make Me a Servant." In and of itself, it was a nice gesture from the congregation. But that was just the beginning...after she finished with one verse or so, the rest of the church stood up and started singing "Make Me a Servant" too. Granted, I intellectually knew that it was coming but the gesture so moved me that I was pretty much in tears by the time that they finished! It was pretty humbling...and I'm usually kinda jaded about these types of things.

Since then, I've just been talking with people trying to put together a picture of what is happening and what needs to happen in the church. I've realized how impatient I am...after having been here for only a week and a half, I'm already wondering why things haven't improved yet. I wonder if I can change things, or if anyone could. I wonder if my ideas are going to work, or even if they're what God wants to happen here.

It's wierd to think of how much this place has grown on me in just the last month since we've moved here. I'm taking a self-imposed couple of days off since I've been at church every day for the last two weeks and my family misses me. I still feel like I want to go to work tomorrow, which speaks well of the people I work with and how I like the challenge of being a pastor here. But I am also called to be a father, and I love my family and will not sacrifice them on the altar of "church."

Honestly, I can't wait to be able to take Ali along on more stuff. I remember when she was still in her bucket and I could take her to Bible study on Saturday mornings, and I know of few two-year-olds who have been to as many strategic ministry planning meetings as she's been to. But the thought of being able to take her along with me for visiting people is something I can't wait for. I still remember some of the times that my father took me along with him for guest preaching at some different churches...it was a great way to spend some time together.

I'm still trying to find the balance, though, between how much change can be handled and what cannot. I'm getting a sense for how I want things to be, but how fast to implement the changes is something that I'm really wondering right now. Lots of time will be spent in prayer.