Barb was considering a call...
Illustration
Barb was considering a call to another congregation -- a difficult decision. Her college-
aged children came home each summer to work in good-paying jobs at a local factory.
Her husband had a good job, and he really didn't want to transfer. Everything was going
well for Barb at her congregation and a few plans for future ministries were on the
table.
Still, the calling congregation had some possibilities that Barb found attractive. It was closely connected to an oncology unit at the local hospital and Barb would be able to work with cancer patients. This was special training she had received prior to seminary. The congregation was growing to the point that a new building was in the works.
What to do? Several days after receiving her letter of call, the administrator of the congregation's seniors' residence suddenly resigned. The congregation and the residence worked very closely together. The administrator, an ordained clergy, helped Barb with her ministry while Barb had an active hand in the running of the building. If she resigned to take the call, the organization would lose all its leadership. The congregation chairperson said to Barb, "We will be leaning heavily upon you these next few months." It was a sign.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds also received signs, not a resignation but a star and a sky full of angels.
Still, the calling congregation had some possibilities that Barb found attractive. It was closely connected to an oncology unit at the local hospital and Barb would be able to work with cancer patients. This was special training she had received prior to seminary. The congregation was growing to the point that a new building was in the works.
What to do? Several days after receiving her letter of call, the administrator of the congregation's seniors' residence suddenly resigned. The congregation and the residence worked very closely together. The administrator, an ordained clergy, helped Barb with her ministry while Barb had an active hand in the running of the building. If she resigned to take the call, the organization would lose all its leadership. The congregation chairperson said to Barb, "We will be leaning heavily upon you these next few months." It was a sign.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds also received signs, not a resignation but a star and a sky full of angels.
