It was a busy summer and only had a breather the beginning of August.
Now the hectic fall season in the life of the church has begun - Confirmation Classes, Evening Bible Study & Early Communion Classes for the month of October. Plus, 2 non-member weddings where I
play the role of wedding coordinator only - mikes on, lights on, doors open and locked, etc. putting in more time than for which I am getting paid.
The church has been struggling with major deficit, giving is down, attendance is not what it has been. I fear that folks have lost hope in their church family. Oh, there are some very committed and involved people, but they can't do it all. The church continues to reach out in the community with their monthly free community dinner, participation in First Friday, Scare on the Square for Halloween, Candlelight Walk in Nov with a chili dinner, our organist planning another Christmas Concert in December.
Now we enter the season of Stewardship (which really is all year long). And there is not enough money coming in to meet shaved down monthly expenses. It breaks my heart. I have spoken of the joy of giving and all that, but it changes not. I will keep at it and then there will need to be the conversation of continuing until there is no money or closing up.
LH and I had a week away taking a trip to Iceland. It was amazing, wild and untamed. The mountains and landscape is mostly volcanic. The rain comes and goes as does the sun. The wind seems to be near constant. (course we had 2 days of high wind warnings.) It was ruggedly beautiful. We stayed on the coast, a lighthouse was our neighbor and, bless my soul, we caught the Northern Lights two nights in a row. How utterly amazing, splendorous, captivating! It was worth freezing in the wind!!! We drove the Golden Circle, spent a day in Rejkeyvik (pardon the spelling), drove not quick to Vik (too long a drive) and saw black sand beaches, spent relaxing time in the Blue Lagoon,
drove to a really neat waterfall and thermal springs. Saw fish drying on outdoor racks. Ate plenty of lamb hotdogs and fresh fish and lamb. Did a lot of walking and driving. Am grateful for the opportunity to visit Iceland (although it is very expensive) and thrilled to have seen the northern lights.
Now comes the business and craziness of church life in the fall. May my memories of Iceland serve to bring me through this time and may the ancient Icelantic symbol of guidance bear me through so that I do not lose my way or my bearings through this busy time and season.
