Picture the scene: yesterday morning, me just out of the shower, dripping everywhere and the telephone rings. It is the Interim Moderator (minister in charge during a vacancy) for our parish church. It turned out that the preacher for the day had suddenly taken ill – would I fill in? I found myself saying very calmly No problem……. Then proceeded to have breakfast, check the Bible readings, jot down a rough running order, look out clerical collar, dry hair, get dressed and leave the house – all within forty minutes. I have to admit that when I saw what the New Testament reading was (Matthew 24:36-44 for anyone keen) – there was a sharp intake of breath. Not the most preacher-friendly text in the world.
Arriving at church – relatively early for once – I had to impart the bad news to the people on duty. In the end, thanks to a friendly congregation, all went well. I found myself musing on situations where there is really no alternative but to carry on and do one’s best. Rather like the whole of life. We can only do our best, but we can make the effort to remember always to do it with care, consideration and yes – even love.
Well done Freda!!!!!
I am sure that Glenorchy Church was much warmer that St. Conan’s !!!
For the record I chickened out of the lectionary reading and went on my own!
Look forward to being with you on the last Sunday of the year,
Grace & Peace,
Donald
You can still do it!!! A bit of a shock to the old system though!!! Hope you take it EEEEEAAAAASSSSSYYYY today!!!!
WEll done you! I don’t have to dry (or comb) my hair any more. But at that notice I expect all other panic buttons puched would have been about the same for me. Look forward to other such occasions in the future.
Thankfully it was only one service – I am still recovering!