Ministerial Musings for July 2010
Although I will be away on six weeks of study leave (prepping my soul for next year’s sermons as well as congregational challenges) and vacation (Carolyn and I will enjoy a family reunion in Utah as well as a pilgrimage to Scandinavia), Tapestry lies deep in my prayers as well as in good hands with your fine lay leaders.
When I return in mid-August, I stand ready to assist with either moving out of my old or moving into my new office…we can’t predict the timing just yet. I trust Tapestry’s continuing leadership under Connie Pursell’s watchful tutelage plus the exceptional management skills of Lynn Cowan, Jon Eckhardt, Mark Fox and their crew members.
I have contributed my own suggestions, especially concerning the liturgical decor of our new sanctuary, but my main task is to urge the Move-in squad to make decisions that combine a sage blend of sound aesthetics, finances, and functionality. Remember, there is no race. It’s taken us 15 years to get from Obrero to Madero, so let’s “hasten slowly,” making decisions of which we and our ancestors can be duly proud. For who knows how long you will be at the new location?
I continue to be very pleased with the work that our independent contractor, Michael Boys, is doing as Tapestry’s office administrator. He is performing his job both effectively and economically. He has spent additional (yet necessary) hours in May and June bringing our entire membership data base to a more accurate and usable condition. All Tapestry stakeholders will be the beneficiaries of Michael’s rigorous work.
And have you visited both the downstairs workroom and the Office Administrator’s office? Thanks to Michael and his tag team of organizers par excellence, Pat Horton and Judy Tracy, both look stunningly spiffy. They have inspired me to clean up my own office, readying it for the move.
I look forward to working alongside Michael Boys, as our interim office administrator, until I complete my sojourn among you in June of 2011.
We have solid summer worship services planned, involving many of you as gifted and devoted coordinators and presenters. Thank you! During July and August we refuse to break stride or lose momentum. I encourage all Tapestry partisans to attend services, conduct business, and shoulder program life throughout the summer. Continue to be the dedicated stakeholders you are!
Our minister emeritus, Robert Jordan Ross, who did such a splendid job during our “Ode to Obrero” service on May 23rd, stands on pastoral duty during my 6 weeks away this summer (July 1-August 15). If there is a pastoral need during my summer hiatus, I invite you to contact Connie Pursell who will then reach Rev. Ross, as appropriate. If there is an ecclesiastical emergency or death in the congregation, I will be contacted. When Carolyn and I are out of the country from July 27th –August 13th, I will periodically check in with President Pursell.
I return to Tapestry on Monday, August 16th to hit the ground running, with meetings that very day, and will begin my final year of preaching on Sunday, August, 29th.
My prayer for each of you during July and August is this: May the summer pace be a different yet delightful one for you, wherein your body is re-created and your soul renewed. I personally know the grave importance of the summer change-of-pace. As a recovering workaholic, I have had to “work hard” at being lazy in all good conscience.
Hence, in addition to luxurious family time and focused reading, I’ll be playing the guitar, taking naps, refining my magic tricks as well as just fiddling around more than usual.
After all, I’ve heard that the purpose of existence is to learn how to be a human being not merely a human doing.
Blessings and cheers,
Tom Owen-Towle
