Pulpit Supply

This Sunday was my first as pulpit supply. Honestly, I had preached/taught at the Sunday evening service at the church I worked at as an administrative assistant back before I became a licensed local pastor, but this would be my first as pulpit supply ever. I knew a lot of the congregation through ministerial events over the past three years and from the community, but this would be the first time I would craft a sermon from the lectionary for this congregation of another denomination.

The main texts were from Lamentations 1 and 3, with similar laments from Psalms and Paul. In that way it was an easy sermon to craft. I was able to include my own laments over this past year, hopefully, bringing to mind the laments of this congregation who had spent several years in turmoil both over their decision to split with their mother denomination and to the first pastor they called in this new theology and the eventual departure of that pastor and the fact that they are now without a pastor and the future is uncertain.

I arrived early and went over the bulletin with the elders. The lead elder introduced me to the first few people who entered, but soon realized that I may not know everyone's name we had all met previously.

I was surprised that a couple from my previous congregation arrived to hear me preach. The person I expected to see did not show. The couple and I caught up with each other and our activities over the summer. Then it was time to start worship.

Worship went very well. The sermon was well received. I was given many positive affirmations as we settled into fellowship time.

I was asked to return again in November. I missed having communion and my mother's birthday is the second weekend, so in November, I will be preaching the third week.