Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Time of Singing Has Come!

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:

John Shuck said...

You. Simply. Rock.

Woo hoo!!

Rock in the Grass (Pete Grassow) said...

hugs and kisses beautiful lady.

klady said...

Alleluia!

Choralgrrl said...

Wheeeeee!!!

Ann said...

Yay!

LittleMary said...

love you darling! congratulations!

God_Guurrlll said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Jennifer said...

Praise to God for Her blessings....they seem to abound in your truth.

PseudoPiskie said...

Yes! Wonderful!

susan s. said...

Here from MadPriest's... Congratulations! Godde is good!!!

June Butler said...

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.

Rev. Richard Thornburgh said...

Excellent news. I pray that you can now relax a bit and enjoy this new level of your re-affirmed ministry

Erp said...

"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.

Jennifer said...

Hallelujah! This is a wonderful post to read. We rejoice with you!

Aghaveagh said...

"O wonderful wonderful, and more wonderful wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and that beyond all whooping!"

My hearty congratulations. The good work goes on.

Brian R said...

So happy for you, Thanks be to God. I am sure your future ministry will be blessed.

susankay said...

Well, of course they did. Except that in so many places there is no of course about it. Yay Rah!!!

suzanne said...

TBTG for answered prayers!
WOO!! HOO!! Indeed..

Unknown said...

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!!!

Byrde said...

I'm always happy when a church manages to do things as God wants, and even more so that this time involves you.
Blessings!

Anonymous said...

YES!!!!

Jane R said...

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

Wormwood's Doxy said...

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

janinsanfran said...

Delighted to read your good news.

Processing Counselor said...

Woo Hoo. They maid a wise decision, though we could have used you in NYC!

jsd said...

So very wonderful!!

Sarah S-D said...

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.

Karen said...

This is good. Thanks be to God. Sorry I didn't stop by a couple of days ago to offer support and prayers then.

Jules said...

I think John Shuck said it best. You do indeed rock.

KJ said...

Thanks be to God!

Sara said...

Late to the celebration but, that is great news. I agree with John, you rock!

SCG said...

Thanks be to God!! Congratulations.

Joan Lucia-Treese said...

CONGRATULATIONS and God's blessins to you and your congregation!

Rainbow Pastor said...

Congratulations! Blessings on your continued ministry!

Anonymous said...

So, so happy for you.