God is Still Speaking

Advent is a time of expectation . . . and surprise. The surprise is that we can never anticipate the ways in which God will speak to us. Therefore we are encouraged to be watchful during this time. My watchful waiting has led to a decision which I brought to the Church Council last night. I requested that I be allowed to reduce my time to 50% beginning as soon as convenient in 2005. The reasons for the decision are several: 1) The recent diagnosis and treatment of my cancer has led me to reflect upon my life and work style. I love and cherish my work with you and want to continue it as long as it is beneficial to the church. On the other hand I am aware that the position necessarily carries a significant amount of stress. Reducing the work load will minimize that stress. 2) I will be undergoing various therapies in the months ahead to treat my cancer. I cannot, in conscience, continue to attempt a full work load when my energy may not support it. Working half time will ease the work load and give me the flexibility I need to manage my health. 3) Finally, the awareness that death is a proximate rather than an indefinite possibility has caused me to cherish time spent with Marilyn and my family. I covet the opportunity to devote more time to those I love. I am certainly not the first to discover that the awareness of death enriches and stimulates one's appreciation of life. My choice to ask for a reduction in my time rather than retire immediately, followed some personal reflection and counsel from wise friends in the church. I love preaching and shaping worship. I love the interaction of staff, members and friends of the church as we find new ways in which to use and share our facility. I believe the challenges and tasks of ministry will be a positive focus as I continue treatment. This decision has been made following consultation with the leadership of the church, Cindy, and Sharry, and the personnel committee. I am grateful for their understanding and support even though this change will create an extra work load for the staff and additional tasks for the church leadership. I look forward to next year with anticipation, and some anxiety about how I can continue to minister to this congregation in a reduced capacity. However, in all things, I have learned to trust that Spirit which convinces me that God is still speaking. Posted by Donel at December 14, 2004 02:47 PM