My neighbor...

My neighbor is going to be out of town next weekend. And he's the pastor of a small church that's not too far from my house.

Because going out of town on a weekend means that you're not in town on Sunday, he needs someone to fill in for him.

He asked me if I would do it. I said yes. I've never led a congregation in an entire worship service before. Heck, I've never done anything other than give the sermon and acolyte!

I'm terribly excited and terribly nervous at the same time. Doing the sermon is no problem. It's the rest of the service that'll be tricky! He's the sole pastor of the church, so I'll be the only one up there. And I've got to cue everybody from the ushers who take the offering to the mom who takes the little kids to 'Children's Church' in the middle of the service.

Did I mention that it's not a United Methodist (my tradition) church? Therefore, I won't know the order of service by heart.

And in this church's tradition, they do a 'Prayer of Confession' every Sunday. You know what happens after that? The 'Assurance of Pardon'. I get to assure these people that their sins are pardoned... that ought to be an interesting experience.

So, if you think about it anytime this week or on Sunday (or afterward for that matter; who says prayer can't work backwards in time?!) say a prayer for me.

I'll be sure to post a report!!

Comments

[Beth]

You will be awesome, of course. And please do give a report! ;)

[Lorna (see-through faith)]

bless you :)

[Mark]

Is it Presbyterian?

Feel free to ask for help. There are lots of us who would be willing.

[Mrs. M]

Good for you! It'll go beautifully. And if it doesn't, the best thing that I learned while interning was this: God can work regardless of whether we do everything perfectly.

[gavin]

as part of your fan club. you will be fab. no worries whatsoever.

[rev mommy]

Prayers your way. You will do a wonderful job, I am sure and remember God will have your back.

[Lorna (see-through faith)]

how is the preparation ???

[Natalie]

It's coming... I have all of the words I'm going to say; i.e. the sermon, the call to worship, the confession of sin, the pardon, the benediction, etc.

I'm just worried about keeping everything on track. It's the "let us stand", "please open to" "will so-and-so please come forward to" stuff that's got me nervous. Plus, I'm not sure where to be during everything. I don't know when to stand behind the pulpit and when not to.

It's those kind of things that I didn't think to ask about that have got me concerned!!!

[1-4 Grace]

I will be thinking of you in the AM and hope all goes well. You will be wonderful and things will go off as they should. It is amazing to see how things just go off as planned and people know what to do with jsut a little guidance.
I did discover that ushers dont just happen though. The two ushers who fialed to show up one Sunday, also failed to tell anyone they were not there.
So, I learend along with checkign the nursery and childrens church folks it is als o good to be sure somebody hands out bulletins and takes up offering.
Would love to see you Tuesdya nad hear in person how it went, but I have a meeting to go to. :(

[A.Lin]

How did it go?

I had to lead a congregation through an entire worship service for the first time this past Sunday, too. My experience was good. I think I was born to do it.