what you do

People tell me that they can't imagine what a church musician does during the week. Let me throw out a few things I did today. Gave music from the movie Schindler's List to a high school violinist to play in a August. Explained why we draw images sometimes from popular culture to bring into worship. Of course, had to start learning the piano part myself. Put photos in the brochure I've started--You and Zion Music Ministries. Conferred with Pastor Hunter about how to keep the service this Sunday from becoming too long. Checked in with Intern Nate about his participation last week and the week before. Drew up agenda for the Worship Planning Committee meeting in a few minutes. Drew up agenda for my meeting with Nancy and Gail T tomorrow. Practiced the organ ahead for Aug 10 when I'm on again. Talked to a high school student about playing the organ offertory later in August.

bucket has a hole...

The song goes "there's a hole in my bucket," etc. What's a bucket in this day and age?

What doesn't have a hole is my work space. I'm talking about those holes at the back of your desk with all the wires going through.

There are critical elements of worship waiting to be worked out for the Christmas Eve service, and I'm tracking down Bill on the walkie-talkie to found out how to get a hole. The Christmas lights cord is passing in front of my desk.

Those, too, serve who drill holes.

pumpkin holds up to snow

Thursday morning, and my Zion pumpkin stands proudly in the snow. In October, when I met Pastor Hunter in the church office and practiced on the organ for an audition, I walked into a pumpkin church. "Here," Hunter said. "Take one."

I did and insisted on paying for it.

The thermometer says 19 degrees outside. I know this vegetable can't survive long in the freezing weather. But there it sits, on my front porch, beside one of the posts, shivering with a few of the flowers soaking in the sun.

It's a good reminder of Zion, the strength I find there, the laughing at the onslaughts of bothersome weather, the living in the light and radiating it back, making the world a prettier place.

I'm looking forward to worship this Sunday.

Pastor Hunter calls

I'm finishing a lunch of left-overs. The phone rings. It's Hunter. He said he'd call this morning. It's a little past noon. Last evening the church board was going to meet to consider offering me the position of interim minister of worship.

It's all clear, he said. It's a go.

That's big for me. I first spoke with him August 31. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. My last email said to him, this is not just another gig. This defines who I am.

When do you start? I'll come next Tuesday, November 27. Good, he says. Bring anything you have about Advent. We haven't planned that yet. There's no time to lose. I'll be there.

That's me and Dorcas in the photo.