Could it be?

I haven't posted in a long while. I didn't have much to say, but now I ask prayers of all my RevGalBlogPals -- I preach my candidating sermon on 10 January with the congregational meeting/vote to follow. It's not the first call church I was looking for -- that would have been much closer to my family, with better finances, a building in better condition, and all those other things we would like for our church to have :) -- but it IS where God is calling me.

It's part time (for now at least) because giving and attendance are down in the 18 months since their pastor of 13 years left; but it does include a manse and utilities, so, with care, the money should be sufficient. Membership is around 140, attendance around 70 (not sure how many of those are just no-shows and how many are homebound). They have an interim, but I get the impression from several of the PNC that they just need to be shown that they are still loved and not abandoned, and still worthy of a REAL pastor (they're almost at the point of not being able to afford an ordained Minister).

I'll be preaching on the Isaiah text for the 10th: I have called you by name and you are mine...you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you.

Friday Five Do Nothing Edition

Sally at RevGalBlogPals writes:
I am reading a wonderful little book for Advent it's title: "Do nothing Christmas is Coming!"

So this week's Friday Five is simple.

List Five things you won't be doing to prepare for Christmas.

And while you are doing nothing play the bonus, put your feet up and listen to your favorite Advent Carol, and post it or a link to it...

so, what am I NOT doing...

1. I am not preaching, because, although the PNC and I decided back on 12 October, this is a slow process and the fat lady has not yet sung.
2. I am not buying a lot of presents because, well, I just finished 3 years of seminary and am not yet employed (and DH is on short term disability). (Although buying an old goat in Dad's name is an attractive option even if he doesn't get the joke)
3. I am not decorating, because both DH and I are temporarily partially incapable and we're probably going to skip town anyway--to go see the families for Christmas on this last Christmas I'll be free to travel (God willing!).
4. I am not singing in the choir, reading or otherwise involved in the Christmas service, for the first time in lo, these many years.
5. I'm not cooking or baking or whatever. I'll go to Mom's house for Dinner! (I'll go to Dad's, too, but Step-Mom doesn't get the gluten thing and can't be bothered, so I won't eat there.)

Christmas carol? I'd like to say "My Christmas" by Brett Williams, but I can't find it on YouTube. it's a hoot, if you can find it!

I like so many carols, and I'm a choir geek, so I sing the tenor line as we walk through stores (and not just to embarrass my husband!). But today, I'll choose a modern carol: "Strange Way to Save the World" by 4Him