Comforted

After three weeks of being beaten up by a theology I do not agree with, but keeping a promise to a colleague to check out two local churches, I needed a break. Though I had intended to attend a different church each Sunday, I felt the need to return to an earlier congregation where I knew I would feel love...God's love and love from the people.

I discovered there would be a guest speaker and thought it sounded interesting. I confirmed the time of worship. Yes, it had changed since last month.

I arrived and sat in my normal seat and talked to the three ladies behind me as I had arrived a few extra minutes early. Worship started and I settled in.

The message began with a conversation around the speaker's recent trip to Washington, DC, to attend budget hearings. She spoke of the three areas of concern that her group addressed. Revolving around climate and immigration (and how these two items are connected). She discussed how these "political views" were very much in keeping with a Christian life. It was about this point that I settled in, closed my eyes to focus, and fell asleep! Yes, I'm not sure I actually hit the deep sleep that would be noticed by those around me, but there, in the loving arms of my Father in Heaven, I let go of all the stress that had accumulated over the last few Sundays. I knew that I was loved and all was well in the world in that moment.

I woke/became aware once more as the speaker wrapped up her message feeling fully refreshed.

After worship, there was a potluck. I moved to the fellowship area, fixed a plate, and sat at table. There I was joined by several members and commenced to join the conversation. Eventually, I was invited to return and invited to join the Wednesday crafting group as they worked on craft items for next year's fair. I plan to join them when I am available!

Interspersed throughout these conversations, I was ministered to by the pastor. He checked in on my sabbath time, my teaching experiences now that I had worked a few days, my son and his current situations both his athletics and his plans for next year, and life in general.

Next week, I will be doing pulpit supply.