4.21.2005

On writing & having lunch with the pastor

Although I may be in the publishing industry, I never thought of myself as a great, or even an average, writer. At times, I can be an 'above average' observer, but never the scribbler. I don't think I'm neurotic, or, as some people in the working world say, "detailed oriented" to dot the "i"s and cross those "t"s. Maybe, a correspondent, I can be. Anyway, these thoughts should not stop me from attempts at writing better, right?

On Tuesday, I met with my future pastor for lunch at a local pizza restaurant near my office. It was one of those "let's get acquainted" deals. The conversation went well. Although he was 10 minutes late, we spent nearly two hours talking about about our histories and then I gave my testimony (my "struggle") to him over a chicken caesar salad (he must be watching his weight) and a veggie burger. I don't usually eat veggie burgers, but the waiter highly recommended it. I would give it a surprising "thumbs up".

He listened intently to my story and was quite intrigued. He asked several questions about it, like "what was a trigger or event that started it?" Then he probed further about personal history and ministry experiences. Maybe one day, I'll give my testimony to the whole congregation. I'm not too woried, but I hope it doesn't happen anytime soon. Although it isn't a large church, I'm still trying to get acquainted with everybody.

On Sunday, the new member Orientation Luncheon is coming up at the church. I'll see how it goes. I'm glad it's not one of those church orientations that last a whole entire year. What are those churches thinking? And, what are you doing/teaching/talking that makes it necessary for orientation to last a whole entire year? I understand that it takes some time to get familiar and understand church doctrines, but it shouldn't take that long, right?

Today's verse: Psalm 45:1-3 (New King James Version)

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;
I recite my composition concerning the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.
Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One,
With Your glory and Your majesty.

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