Life and other Stuff

This Sunday I will preach for the fifth Sunday in a row - something I have never done since arriving in Ithaca 5 years ago. My max was 2 Sundays in a row. I preached Easter Sunday and then I started a 4 week series on evangelism called "Going Public". This is part of my ministry project for my DMIN program.

My lead pastor Eric was kind enough to share the pulpit for these 4 weeks so I could do this project. But, this much consistent preaching along with the normal parts of my job has been quite a test! I was hoping things would slow down but instead I have even more things cooking in May.

The first week of May I head down for an elective class on preaching. This class requires quite a bit of work both pre and post class. And then the final week of May I am heading to Egypt, Palestine and Israel! Also for a class with my seminary.

I can't really believe I have this opportunity! This class takes place in both Palestine and Israel. Prior to my class I will be in Cairo meeting with my dissertation advisor, Dr. Mark Deets. Again, this class requires extensive reading and some lengthy papers to write. It will not be easy.

So, I guess this post is just to say that I am grateful that I have been placed in a position at this time in my life where I am being stretched out of my comfort zone and further into God's Kingdom.

Beyond May, our church returns to our summer schedule of one service which provides a nice respite to all our ministry staff. June-August will be a bit slower but I will still have the dissertation lurking in the background begging to be written!

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