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The First 5:00 Service

It happened this evening, and we had 33 people! The crowd included several newcomers, a few folks who hadn't been attending regularly, and maybe 10 children and teenagers. What a thrill!

We started the 5:00 p.m. service for a number of reasons. First, we anticipate our 10:30 service will keep growing and we will need a place for "overflowing" folks to go as an option.

Second, parents of teens kept telling us that Sunday mornings aren't great for getting teenagers to church.

Third, I talked to lots of young adults (20s and 30s) and others who work Sunday mornings or late into the evening on Saturday. They said 5:00 p.m. Sunday would be great for them.

Fourth, we wanted to offer an entirely different style of worship. This is definitely a "come as you are" service. Jeans, flip-flops, cut-offs, t-shirts, whatever. It is also designed for people who aren't accustomed to more formal Episcopal worship or who simply prefer something more informal. And the music is decidedly more contemporary.

I'm so grateful to the many parishioners who helped start the 5:00 service and for the terrific turnout by "10:30-ers" who came specifically to support our new venture.

Now we just need some volunteer musicians so I don't have to play the piano, preach, lead prayers, preside at Communion, stand on my head, etc., etc.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Hurricanes and Churches

So we're driving towards home through some light rain caused by Tropical Storm Hanna and talking about my sermon this coming Sunday, and it strikes me that hurricanes and churches have some things in common. I mean that in the nicest possible way.

You want more on that, come to church on Sunday!

I know, how annoying.

We're in Durham, North Carolina overnight. Stopped here because we wanted to dine at the Magnolia Grill (their motto: "Not Afraid of Flavor") and shop at the Regulator Bookshop. This is part of our go-to-the-beach ritual.

Magnolia Grill dessert: walnut torte with brandy-soaked fresh figs, goat-cheese ice cream, and raspberries (for me).

milk chocolate chip pound cake with chocolate malt ice cream and roasted bananas (for Guy).

Back to the Weight Watchers routine tomorrow! And not a moment too soon.

Here's my wisdom on vacations as I reflect on the past week:

1. Do not be overly spooked by hurricane/tropical storm warnings. The Weather Channel and other outlets are in the business of fear. We could certainly have stayed down on Kiawah for another 24 hours with no ill effects. Ten years ago we left a beach in North Carolina after being there only two days because of a hurricane warning, and the hurricane never materialized. Phooey.

2. Do not be underly spooked by them, either.

3. Real vacations = sabbath. I kept thinking, "I'm being so lazy." This is the point, right? At least on my favorite kind of vacation. The lazy kind.

4. What a Guy I'm married to.

5. I am so glad I have Buck Mountain Episcopal Church to come home to.

6. The ocean is definitely a healing place for me. I can't believe I went six years without it, though the West has its own healing places.

7. Do not under any circumstances let five or six years go by between vacations!

Shakin' the Sand off Our Feet

Guy and I are on Kiawah Island in South Carolina this week, enjoying the ocean after six years (!) of being away from it. But even though we're not due to leave until Saturday, I am mentally shaking the sand off my feet and preparing to return to Buck Mountain for a great autumn season.

On Sunday the 7th, we launch ....

* Sunday School at 10:30 for three age groups -- youngest, young (primary school), and young teens

* 5:00 p.m. worship service, brand new!

On Sunday the 14th, we launch our Youth Group for 2008-09, meeting after the 5:00 p.m. service for food, fellowship, learning, and service.

And on Wednesday the 17th, former Professor of Art and parishioner Marion Roberts starts a teaching series on art and the Christianization of Britain. (Recommended reading: How the Irish Saved Civilization). Come at 6:00 for potluck supper (you don't need to bring anything), and stay for Marion's presentation at 7:00. She is a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter, and we are very fortunate to have her as our teacher.

Oh yes, and in October, parishioner Bill Johnsons, newly certified as a mentor for Education for Ministry (EfM), will launch an EfM group at Buck Mountain Church. This is an intensive, four-year curriculum modeled on the seminary curriculum for M.Div. students. Most important, it is an excellent opportunity for a profound experience of spiritual growth and deep fellowship. If you're interested, please contact Bill or me.

We have so much to look forward to this coming year! I'm not eager to leave the beach behind, but I am eager to see what God has in store for us in the months to come.