How it's going

So, how's it been going? What have I been doing?

Sunday I read the gospel for the first time in my new congregation, I also distributed bread during communion. Was told later in the week by a parishioner that she likes the way I read.

I had a couple that looked to be 20's or 30's at the altar rail cross their arms indicating they didn't want to receive the bread, you see this more often with wine. This means 3 things: 1) For some reason both of them were choosing not to receive communion, 2) they are not baptized and wanted a blessing instead (which not being a priest yet I can't do, but I did say a little prayer phrase for each while touching their arm), or 3) They did not wish to receive bread because it was coming from me (because I'm a woman or because I'm a deacon). The sad thing to me is that it's been almost a week and it's still coming back to me on occasion and making me wonder about it. I have to consider the possibility that they don't agree with women's ordination, where men for the most part would never consider the possiblity that someone coming to the rail but passing on communion has something to do with them.

Attended children's chapel and was in charge of my first children's chapel. A completely new thing for me, I think I was more nervous than I was when I preached to the congregation a couple weeks ago - it went okay. It should feel more natural and a little more smooth with a little time, but it wasn't bad or a disaster or anything, just new and felt a little awkward to me in some ways. But the children... sooooo cute! They are mostly pre-schoolers.

I lead "Liturgy of the Word" (the first half of the service up until communion) for a service this week. I thought I would be more nervous doing that than I was. It felt pretty good, but it's mostly reading/praying - not as involved as the Eucharist at the table. I will definitely have to practice that before my first time celebrating.

Had a good meeting about acolytes and helped figure out some new ways of doing things. I'll be involved in some acolyte training soon.

Trying to figure out what on earth to preach for Sept 3rd, Proper 17B. Have a couple ideas and only one page of scribbly notes so far. At least the wheels are turning a bit. It's going to be hard to come up with something coherent and be moving - ack. Good thing I have God to lean on. ;) Friends, family, and mentors help too.