Zzzzzzz. That’s what happens when you’re in the ministry. Sometimes you get busy and tired, like I have during this first month in my new parish.
I figured that my first priority was to meet the people, and so I’ve been visiting a lot, meeting the wardens, organists, and other parishioners. I’ve ended up at the wrong house once, and I have to say without Google Maps, I have no idea how I would find the little homes deep in the woods of Nova Scotia. It’s been kind of like the story of Hansel and Gretel. I’ve visited some nice parishioners, and have eaten wonderful baked goods. But although some elderly ladies have lured me in with cookies, no one’s shoved me in an oven yet.
As I probably mentioned, I really like meeting new people. I feel that call to pastoral ministry. I like to hear the stories of people’s lives. I’ve met some interesting people who have worked hard for the church, people who care about God in this world. So I’ve put a few clicks on my car for sure.
Speaking of the car, I’ve received some comments on it. It’s a three-door sports car—red of course, and low to the ground. I’m not sure if it will last the winters here, so I may have to trade it in. My next big purchase (once the student loans are paid off) would be a motorcycle. Perhaps a Honda Shadow is befitting of a young man in ministry?
So, what else have I been up to? So far I’ve conducted a burial (it’s always good to get the first one done), and I’ve visited a funeral home and helped with a service. I’ve introduced myself to the hospital staff. I just need to go and have coffee with the funeral director. For some reason I figure it will be like an episode of Six Feet Under. I’ll keep you posted.
I have also discovered that photocopiers are not my friends. Each week I put the worship order together, and I have had little luck because of the humidity. The copier always jams. Does anyone know a priest who has a calling to bless photocopiers? If so, please post information below!
Another new experience was being in a parade. A few weeks ago, as I waved to the citizens of Porters Lake from the back of a pickup truck in the scorching heat, I realized that this is it. I am now a spokesperson of sorts for the church. I have to admit that I was a little scared. I mean it isn’t easy to look after six kids in the back of a truck (who were eating the candy instead of tossing it to the crowd) but that wasn’t it. It’s the fact that now I wear a collar. Now I represent something that is to be taken seriously.
I am not in an internship anymore; this is the real deal. As I jumped off the back of the truck, I could feel the heat (I recommend not wearing black clerical shirts to a parade), and I could feel the collar tighten around my neck. I represent the Anglican Church of Canada now, and this is something that I take seriously. It’s not easy to explain to other young men and women why I’ve chosen this path. Perhaps it’s the people that draw me to this: those in need, the people who feel God’s presence and just want to talk. Just being present in the lives of others seems to make a difference. So with all that’s been happening I have been happy. I will catch up on my z’s when I can, and in the meantime, keep on trucking in my little red sports car.
