Sunday, July 12, 2009

"Like a Mighty Tortoise...."

.... moves the church of God.
Brothers, we are treading
Where we've always trod.

Unknown, attr. to Rev. Jeannette Piccard

Well, it took three days to get the official word, but... they said yes.

Yes to a four year renewal of my contract with my congregation, because my governing board told them in great detail why I am the right pastor for this congregation.

It was not unanimous (a little birdie told me). But it was not close, either.

I've been too busy this week to properly absorb it...

But thank God. And thanks to those people who were able to look beyond me as an "issue" to see me as a pastor.

34 comments:

Sara said...

Three days! I imagine that was a long three days. That's great news.

And now, back to being their pastor.

Wormwood's Doxy said...

Thanks be to God!!! I have been praying--and worrying, a bit. You just made my day by posting this!

The prayers will continue--and it is lovely to have a thanksgiving to add!

Cheers,
Doxy

Josephine- said...

Thanks be to God. :)

Erp said...

Great news for you.

DaveW said...

Wonderful news, answered prayer.

August said...

Wow - that's amazing! Go you.

John Shuck said...

I am thrilled for you and for your congregation and still filled with admiration as you have walked with integrity through this whole process. In doing so you have made the way more clear for others!

Joe Barone said...

Congratulations! I am just a looker-in on your blog, but I was praying your contract would be renewed.

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

three days: something like that story of Good Friday and easter Sunday!
May your life continue to be a resurrection story.
Pete

Brian R said...

Yes, prayers of thankfulness, now praying for the success of your continued ministry.

That Other Jean said...

There's life in the old tortoise yet! I'm so happy for you.

God_Guurrlll said...

YEAH!!!

Praise be to God. Today I heard a sermon about the arc of God's purpose being a trajectory of good will, how nothing can get in the way of God's purpose for the well being of all God's creation. Your congregation has followed that will to God's good pleasure. Blessed be!

Dr. Laura Marie Grimes said...

Four years--not just two. Double praises to Godde who makes a way out of no way. Well done, C!

MaineCelt said...

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!!!

It may move like a tortoise, but at least it IS MOVING!

susankay said...

Thanks be to God (or Godde -- or Whomever) She is blessing you.

LittleMary said...

:)

Jennifer said...

Relief....I was concerned about the meaning of your silence. I can only imagine how the wait was for you! So glad Cecilia as pastor is what/who was affirmed. God is making a way....

Jones said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! What an answer to prayer. We continue to pray for strength, wisdom and the ability to keep on carrying on!

Unknown said...

So glad to hear this!

Jan said...

Thank you, Lord! So glad. Good news. Alleluah!

ClosetedBaptistLesbian said...

yay - Praise God!

Jane R said...

Yessss! Godde be praised. A big hug to you.

Rev. Richard Thornburgh said...

Three days in the tomb and new life beyond! Great news.

Suzer said...

How wonderful, Cecilia! I've been waiting, and praying. What an anxious three days that must have been, though I know you've kept yourself blessedly busy with life and its goings on. Praise God that your congregation was given the insight and wisdom to rule as they did, and may those whose discomfort caused them to vote against you be treated gently and with respect, and moved someday to understand the Bible as never condemning of Love.

Karen said...

This is good news. Prayers continue.

jsd said...

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you!

Mary Sue said...

Woohoo!

Now get back to work!

Sarah S-D said...

Oh, PRAISE GOD! Alleluia!

Anonymous said...

I have been away for some time and pulled up your site...and its new name "[un]closeted pastor". I've spent the better part of the day catching up on this fantastic journey from which I've been absent too long. Oh, Cecilia, how my heart soars for you! From darkness into light. Such hope you have given. May God continue to bless you.

NancyP said...

Woo-hoo #2!

revkjarla said...

oh yes, amen and whoo hoo!!!!

Processing Counselor said...

Woot! Congratulations!

Jules said...

Fabulous! TBTG!

Diane M. Roth said...

sorry I'm late. I've been on vacation...

but so glad for You!