Trust God and always be healthy.

After worship and extra meetings today, I recruited two kids, brother and sister, to help me retrieve some items from the sanctuary. We raced through the hall then slow motion down the aisle to get the toaster I had used for a children's sermon. I know, I know - we probably shouldn't run in church - especially in heels and with a toaster because it can be difficult to keep up. Then we went outside to search for the baby hawk that fell out of a tree earlier in the week. We didn't find it but we chatted as we looked, wondering what was for lunch and talking about afternoon plans.

I once worked at a church where the parents of the current Sunday School children had a fear of the senior pastor that had begun in confirmation and .... lingered. Maybe that kind of relationship with a pastor has its place, though I don't see the point in cultivating a withering glance as a tool for ministry. (It never even worked on my own children once they learned not to make eye contact.) In the congregation I serve, I'm so grateful for life-giving relationships at every age.

When I asked the seven year-old if he was still interested in being my worship assistant sometime this summer, he and his six year-old sister quickly hatched an elaborate, marvelous plan: We should meet every Friday to practice church. They would take turns being the pastor and doing the other parts of the service. Having both boy pastors and girl pastors seemed important to them. I would play the piano. Instead of having the kids come up for a children's sermon, adults would be invited to sit on the steps and whoever is the pastor that day would talk to them about life. "What about communion?" their dad chimed in. Oh, yes, the fledgling pastor lit up with excitement and an idea - they would hand out goldfish crackers with the words "Trust God and always be healthy." They weren't picky about the wardrobe when their mom inquired - both albs or regular clothes were acceptable. But they thought we would definitely need a bulletin for what they called "fake church."

It was a lively conversation that tickled my imagination. It makes me wonder - not just about what children hear and take home from our corporate worship, but what others hear and remember as well. I'm going to have to give this "fake church" a try and see what happens.

Other Duties as Assigned

This week, a young hawk fell out of one of the large fir trees at church. Still white and fluffy, he's uninjured but not yet ready to fly. His mother is nearby - agitated, protective and loud as she swoops in to scare off those who venture too close.

"Put him back up in the tree," recommended the local raptor experts, "and his mother will take care of the rest."

This was easier said than done -- but with a ladder, a box, some long potholders snagged from the church kitchen, a helpful church secretary and some screeching on the part of both myself and the baby bird, we were able to get the tyke into the lowest branches of the tree. The next day and the next, despite blistering heat and a blustery thunderstorm, there he sat in the same spot while his helpless mother fretted nearby. Today, however, he's under a bush with a dead mouse - I can't decide if this is good or bad. His mother has ramped up her warnings, screeching and swooping to keep lookie loos and mouse stealers at bay.

Never a dull day around here. Ministry is like this more days than I'd care to admit - making use of the tools and people God puts in front of us, calling for help as needed, mustering courage for the things that are challenging, creating safe space for others to grow into their wings and fly, praying for the best without always knowing what the best outcome might be.

Having a snack handy and someone to watch your back can't hurt.