Church Search Update 7

We are back from Baltimore after a most emotionally overcharged two days. Our flights were uneventful, non-stop, on time. We were met by George, a member of the search committee and vestry, who took us for a comprehensive tour of the communities surrounding the church. After lunch we had more tour, then a brief respite before dinner. The dinner at church was followed by a more informal interview than the last--this time with the vestry. They adjourned to the pastor's office and ten minutes later asked Pop and me to join them. Then and there they offered him the position of rector (senior pastor). I was completely surprised, having expected negotiations of terms and longer deliberations. Pop did not give them an answer without having opportunity to pray about it and discuss it with me, although he made it clear he was honored and humbled.

I was exhausted by the long, full day and slept soundly. We had breakfast with about a dozen vestry and search committee members; a tour of the house we have been offered rent-free for three months while house hunting; and more community sight-seeing before a quick lunch and return to the airport.

My head was still reeling and I was very glad for the distraction of John Grisham's The Broker on the plane but I could not even begin to come to grips with the speed of the whole process. Even now my mind is racing with all that needs to be done before we leave, and all that we will need to do to settle into a new community.

Pop is preparing to accept Bishop Cummins call. I am still pondering the "what if's" of Kentucky, but am content with Maryland. It is nice to have Matt, Jon and Nate home and to switch gears to Advent and Christmas again. Keep praying.

Church Search Update 6

The vestry of Bishop Cummins (Baltimore) has invited Pop and me for a social visit. We will be flying north next Tuesday morning, Dec. 20, and returning on the afternoon of the following day--the same day we're expecting Matt, Jon and Nate to arrive from Indiana. We have already met 5 members of the vestry who are also serving on the search committee. There are about 10 we have not yet met. The vestry is the committee actually charged with calling and hiring the pastor.

If they like us they will almost certainly invite Pop back to preach and meet the congregation in the near future. If we like them, he will agree to go.

Pop had a phone interview with a PCA church in Danville, KY about a week and a half ago, but we have not heard from them since.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose....

A male elephant is called a bull. A female elephant is a cow. This holds true for a number of other animals, too. If, however, you were referring to any elephant in general you would call it---an elephant.

Now, regarding the animals we commonly call cows, what kind of animal are they anyway? There are (plural) beef cattle and milk cattle--both cows and bulls. But what is the singular of cattle?

A Memorable Weekend

We celebrated Grandmother's 80th birthday over the weekend.

I flew to South Carolina on Thursday. Grandmother, Aunt Beth and I went out to lunch at a sweet tea room and then for a tour of the Biltmore House on Friday. If you have never seen this estate in person I highly recommend a visit. Rent the audio tour; it contains interesting information about the many rooms you'll see, and helps keep you moving at a good pace. My favorite room was the library, but the whole place was fascinating.

Aunt Sandi and Uncle Bob arrived on Saturday morning, so we spent a good part of the afternoon shopping for groceries and party decorations. We found a fine "tiara" for Grandmother which read "Older than Dirt", and party hats for the rest.

The celebratory dinner was held on Saturday night, beginning with appetizers at 6:30. Aunt Sandi presented pretzels and vegetables with a selection of dips and an outstanding Brie en croute with a raspberry hot pepper glaze. The second course was a cream of carrot soup with seasonal herbs (prepared by me). Aunt Beth presented a salad of baby spinach leaves with corn, craisins and glazed pecans dressed with raspberry vinegrette. The main course was pot roast with gravy (prepared by the birthday lady), mashed potatoes, and green beans with toasted almond slivers. Uncle John baked a classic New York style cheesecake for dessert which was served plain or with strawberries. Gifts were presented during dessert and the entire evening was complemented by songs and stories.

On Sunday I went to church with Grandmother and Grandfather. Later in the afternoon Sandi and Uncle Bob flew home and I had supper at Aunt Marty and Uncle John's, topping off the evening with the season finale of "Survivor" at Aunt Beth and Uncle Scott's.

I flew home this morning and was met by Pop, Elisabeth, William and Jesse. Lots of fun, but glad to be home and ready to head off to bed.

Church Search Update 5

Good news! Our house has been sold. We placed it on the market on Thursday and signed a contract yesterday--5 days from start to mid-way finished. The closing will be on or before January 16, so there is a chance the buyer may change his mind. But, he put down a deposit and has a good reputation for financing, so unless the house fails the inspection--in some major fault about which we are unaware--we have sold the house at a good profit.

Pop has a phone interview tonight with a PCA search committee in Danville, KY. The church is about 4 hours from Bloomington (but only about 45 minutes from Lexington--do we switch allegiances to UK?), in a small college town, with quite a large, active college group. This position appeals to me on so many levels--close to children, small town, ministry to college women (and I've even found a house I like, online, only .6 mi. from the library)! I continue to remind myself that God has had our futures mapped out since before He set the foundations of the world in place, so I can rest in His unfailing love.

Still no word from the church outside Baltimore. Pop spoke with one of their search committee members yesterday. They are still contacting references and will meet this Thursday. Patience and wisdom.