MARCH 4 - 1ST SUNDAY

Several years ago, someone made a church banner that displayed this caption:  "The sign of God is that we are led where we did not intend to go."  I've been thinking about those words a lot lately.

God has led me to Riverton, WY and St. John LC. Today begins our honeymoon period together. As we begin our time together we will be evaluating each other. The church newsletter contains a bit of my history so the people at St. John know more about me than I about them but that will change. As we visit with one another, interact at with one another, and so on more and more information will be exchanged and impressions will be made.

All of this leads us to where we begin to trust one another. And so the intricate dance begins.

This morning I arrived at 8:30am with the realization that I wasn't totally sure how worship was experienced in this place - especially worship with music provided by a Praise Team.

Well after leading worship for 30+ years it shouldn't be too different. It wasn't. The Praise Team did a great job. The music was lively and spiritual. The Team also gave more traditional hymns a more lively feel. It was great.

I really had nothing to be nervous about. Everyone was supportive and I'm sure forgiving.

Then it was time to eat. We ARE LUTHERANS you see. Any excuse to eat we take. The food was delicious especially the raspberry cheesecake. YUM!

As the children were coming forward I had to share something Krissy L the mother of Matthew said in worship at my last church. Krissy is mom to 4 year old Matthew. I had been Matthew's pastor all his life. So when he was at worship and saw one of my replacements he said in his usual candid way in a voice many could hear - "Who is that guy? Where is pastor?" I laughed outload when I heard that.

I'm sure in time I will get to know the people of St. John but right now I miss the familiar.

At the end of the day I made a hospital visit.

It was a good start.