MUELLER’S MUSINGS:

“I will see you in September” the now quite old song goes. In religious and educational institutions, perhaps a few others, activities and programs get cranked up again, following a summer of hopeful rest, relaxation, and replenishment. Without “Sabbath time,” which is what those three “r”s are, there can be no renewal and rejoicing, which is what the ministry of the Christian Church is all about.

I trust, therefore, that you are ready, willing, and able to “rally” on September 7. While Rally Day is especially a new start for the younger ones of us, it can be also a new start for us all. Christians tend to love “new births.”

Going into the “Interim Period,” I knew that summer would hold significant risk. Obviously, we could not count on “business as usual” because people do take vacations and have unique schedule and calendar issues untypical of other seasons. We need to be realistic. At the same time, letting interim processing stop or even slow down too much would mean having to take precious time in the fall to build momentum again.

The summer has not been a failure. The Steering Committee is still receiving and reading creative ideas, suggestions, and interests for the future by members and seeking to put together a mission-vision for the future. We have held one Spiritual Gifts Inventory process and will be offering more. Appropriate and historically engaged members are planning a comprehensive Confirmation Class experience. The Property Committee leadership is looking into creative ways of managing and enhancing facility. There is more going on quietly but surely in addition to the routines of parish life. There is renewed energy to let evangelism efforts have priority.

Much of my pastoral leadership is directed not toward particular programs, but to call attention to issues of functioning, which need newness or renew-ness, for the sake of the future. My hope and plan, indeed, purpose, is to assist in moving Centennial to the best possible position to call the best available Pastor in order for you to know the most faithful and fruitful future in the worship and service of the Christ.

My initial “ambitious” and “expeditious” calendar for the interim process allowed for a profile to be submitted and a Call committee formed within the 4th quarter of 2008. While not wishing to move too fast, no one wants the process to plod along, like the Comcast Turtles. You need to get on with your collective ministry and need your new pastor to lead you. A new pastor, however, will be much more inclined to respect your ministry and opt to join with you, if there is seriousness as well as faithfulness to your vision and the beginnings of a plan to implement it. My time may take just a tad longer, but not by much. I love ya, but I am going to leave ya. I am merely passing through.

PLEASE PRAYERFULLY PARTICIPATE! I add “prayerfully” because I genuinely believe that prayer does not change things as much as prayer changes the one who prays. He or she then may be in the best position to contribute with unique gifts to shared ministry. All this is wonderfully joyful even if also difficult when we all help out. Jesus gets a kick out of working with us too.

—Pastor Dave Mueller