My congregation voted this morning to renew my contract for another four years. While not unanimous, it was overwhelming and decisive. And everyone-- everyone-- stood to applaud as I returned to the sanctuary to accept the call.
The worship service before was a nervous one for me. Imagine giving the blessing and wondering, in the middle of it, Is this how this goes? Fortunately, it was.
There were thirty people there over and above the voting membership, including about 6 visitors, another six folks who have been attending for a while and are planning to join, about the same amount of those who will always attend and never join, a handful of supportive colleagues and spouses... amazing. High energy, wonderful sharing of joys and concerns, hearty singing (even without our beloved organist who was on vacation!).
And I am the pastor of this church for at least four more years. God is good. The time of singing has come. Off to celebrate with Beloved and Petra....!
Thank you all for your love and support.
36 comments:
You. Simply. Rock.
Woo hoo!!
hugs and kisses beautiful lady.
Alleluia!
Wheeeeee!!!
Yay!
love you darling! congratulations!
Hooray!!!!!!
Four years is terrific. I am so glad that your congregation recognizes and appreciates your gifts.
The times they are a changing and nothing can stop God's will for good in the world.
Grace to you on this glorious day. What a happy time it is when we can finally experience together that good ministry is about relationship: internal, external, with each other, with Jesus, but has really little (nothing?) to do with sexuality. Blessings to you and your congregation and your family as you experience this ministry together. January736
Praise to God for Her blessings....they seem to abound in your truth.
Yes! Wonderful!
Here from MadPriest's... Congratulations! Godde is good!!!
Cecilia, I rejoice with you. What wonderful news. Although I haven't commented much, I've followed your story, and this is indeed a joyful occasion.
May God bless you and those you love. May God bestow abundant blessings on your church community.
Excellent news. I pray that you can now relax a bit and enjoy this new level of your re-affirmed ministry
"Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing."
May you bring wisdom and comfort to many in the next four years.
Hallelujah! This is a wonderful post to read. We rejoice with you!
"O wonderful wonderful, and more wonderful wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and that beyond all whooping!"
My hearty congratulations. The good work goes on.
So happy for you, Thanks be to God. I am sure your future ministry will be blessed.
Well, of course they did. Except that in so many places there is no of course about it. Yay Rah!!!
TBTG for answered prayers!
WOO!! HOO!! Indeed..
I'm SO happy for you and happier still for the congregation that will continue to be blessed by your pastoral care and love for them!!!
I'm always happy when a church manages to do things as God wants, and even more so that this time involves you.
Blessings!
YES!!!!
I am SO happy for you!
So good when the ministerial gifts of a fine strong woman are the main thing that matters to a congregation. Prayers of thanksgiving for all of you!
Hugs,
Jane
As our friend KJ is fond of saying, "All out are in free!" How does it feel to be known and loved for who you REALLY are? :-)
You are one of the bravest people I "know," Cecilia. God bless you today, and in all the years to come!
Pax,
Doxy
Delighted to read your good news.
Woo Hoo. They maid a wise decision, though we could have used you in NYC!
So very wonderful!!
oh, allelulia!
sorry i've been off-line and out of touch the last several days. kev took the computer to the one wired spot at the wedding this weekend to do any posting that needed to be done.
thanks be to God. i'm so pleased.
This is good. Thanks be to God. Sorry I didn't stop by a couple of days ago to offer support and prayers then.
I think John Shuck said it best. You do indeed rock.
Thanks be to God!
Late to the celebration but, that is great news. I agree with John, you rock!
Thanks be to God!! Congratulations.
CONGRATULATIONS and God's blessins to you and your congregation!
Congratulations! Blessings on your continued ministry!
So, so happy for you.
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