Brion Brooks, Pastoral Resident Report - Nov 2007
When I first started at COS, my mother asked me, “So how do you figure out where you’ll become involved, or they just tell you?” “Well”, I replied, “ it’s a little of both.” I told her to imagine a buffet line filled with different foods – some from each of the food groups. There are two requirements for going through the buffet line. First, prepare a balanced meal (don’t just eat the sweets) and second, make sure you take enough for a healthy meal (which also means not letting your eyes be bigger than your stomach).
The first week to ten days of the residency program was spent meeting with each staff member, who then described what foods their ministry were offering for us to sample. Some of the foods were required (assisting in morning worship, planning and conducting evening worship, attending council meetings, etc.) others were totally up to us to sample or to leave alone, depending on our appetite and tastes. Like a buffet line, its only later – as you begin to eat the food you selected – that you discover whether you took too much or will have to return for an extra helping.
Having said all that, let me tell you a little about what’s on my plate, and how filled I feel so far.
First, the meat and potatoes. I’ve very much enjoyed both preaching at COS and acting as liturgist. Jack’s vacation schedule in August forced each of us to preach a morning service within a month of coming to COS. It was intimidating – preaching to such a large congregation so early on in the residency – and very healthy. For it allowed the church to see us and opened a little window, early on, into who we are a persons and pastors. I’ve now preached twice in the mornings, served the Lord’s Supper three times (a food I’ll never tire of), and preached in the evening service at least three or four times (I’m losing count). The response from staff and church members has been strong, constructive, and encouraging.
I’ve also been able to meet with the elders for each of the three parishes I’ve been assigned to. One common denominator of all three meetings has been a deep appreciation for the elders’ genuine concern for the persons in their parishes. As of next Sunday, all three parishes will have had a pot luck (ah, the side benes of ministry!). Relatedly, I’ve had the privilege of having lunch with several members of COS. Listening to the stories of others is a holy and beautiful experience.
Now to the ‘extras.’ I’ve also assumed responsibility for organizing adult education opportunities on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. The theme we chose to focus on is “faith formation.” This has been helped considerably by Jan’s groundwork and her continued gentle advice and encouragement. Offerings for the Spring are already taking shape.
In the area of outreach, I’ve become both involved in, and intrigued by, the entire area of prison fellowship and spiritual growth. I’ve been working with the Christians for Prisoners/Prisoners for Christ task force. This has included a three day trip to South Dakota to learn about planting churches inside of state prisons. The experience of meeting with a prison council (all inmates, of course) was a huge affirmation that the Spirit’s power and Christ’s love break all walls of exclusion – and yet another affirmation, for me, of the power of weakness through Christ. We also attended two worship services inside the prison walls, celebrating communion each time. I’ve volunteered to serve on the planning team that will try to plant a church in the prison in Ionia next year. This dish is, perhaps, an acquired taste, but one that I’m increasingly enjoying.
I’m become involved in racial reconciliation issues, and I attended a 2 ½ day workshop this past weekend. I desire to become more involved in the disabilities interest group, but that has not yet materialized.
My relationship with staff and the other residents is growing and maturing in a healthy way, so far as I can tell. I’ve found those with whom I work to be both professional and caring people who love their work and care deeply for COS and its members.
Posted by: Administrator
