Still Here

I just realized that I have not posted since August. Wow. I wonder what else I have not yet realized.

Well, life continues to be busy, now into my second month here in Michigan. Fall programs are going and I continue to learn a lot about the churches I serve and the community in which we are located.

I was formally installed on Sunday, September 9 by our conference superintendent. I figured out a doable Confirmation schedule that is hampered by the area school district and their lack of decision. It is not all their fault, it is mostly the state's fault and to try and fix it they are raising taxes, including ours here in the UP and then sending all the money down state to, "Where it is needed most." I have been focusing on trying to get established and some sort of a routine down and it is coming slowly as juggle and continue to find out all I need to know. I am also working on venturing out into the area and getting plugged in; not an easy task for an introvert.

Last week I was at our conference pastor's retreat at Lake Geneva, WI. I had a good time and got to reconnect with friends that I have in the conference--who are now colleagues besides--and meet new friends. Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom was our speaker and she talked about freedom in Christ as friendship. It was a very interesting topic. We also heard a presentation based on a published article about pastoral excellence and entering various phases of ministry. I thought it was interesting as well, but unlike most there, I could not identify with a lot of it yet. I went to a nearby water park with some friends. I only went down the slides once, there were two slides. However, I became a little dizzy with the turns and even the speed, so I could really only do them once. Maybe all those years of not swimming in a pool finally caught up with me. The best part of that time was visiting with one of my friends and his wife about ministry and what they are experiencing and exchange of ideas. I had a great time.

Movie Alert!!! Those of you who know me, know that I like Mr. Bean. He is a British character played by Rowan Atkinson. He has a new movie called: Mr. Bean's Holiday. I saw it on Saturday night and it is hilarious. Laugh out loud, roll on the floor, side hurting funny. I give it 2 thumbs way up and as many stars as there are in the universe. I would definitely recommend seeing it. Maybe this time Mr. Bean has the Academy Award. Now I wonder when will the 3 DVD set, of this film, with 65 hours of out takes, bloopers, deleted scenes, and commentary come out.

Well, I guess it is another day. See you on the other side!