Peter C. Hogeterp

In her book Stilling the Storm (2006, The Alban Institute. Available at www.FaithAliveResources.org), Kathleen Smith sings the praises of the “intentional interim pastor.” This person can greatly assist a church that is transitioning from a long pastorate that has ended well, recovering from a ministry that has ended poorly, or regrouping after the senior pastor of a multi-staff church leaves.

We Gather, Watching Time

Prelude and Personal Meditation

Welcome and Announcements

Our Hymn of Trust: "Like a River Glorious"
[PsH 560,TH 699]

Beginning in Praise

Organ Prelude and Personal Meditation

Welcome and Announcements

Our First Thoughts at the New Year: "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven"
[PsH 475, PH 478, RL 144, TH 76-77]

Our Testimony of Praise

I will exalt you, my God and King! I will praise your name for ever and ever!

Praise to Our Risen Lord

Prelude and Personal Meditation

Choral Call to Worship: "Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!"

Our Easter Shout of Praise:

Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed!

Glory and honor, dominion and power, be to our God for ever and ever!

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Our Easter Song of Praise: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
[PsH 388, PH 113, RL 325, TH 277]

I am writing these words on the first anniversary of my father's death. Before he died, he suffered for nearly three months with bowel cancer. He had a tumor removed a year earlier, but the cancer reappeared. He was eighty-two, and he did not want further surgery; he was eager to go home to be with his Lord.

If you've ever waited for something important to happen, then you understand the significant feelings surrounding the Advent season. Advent is like an expectant mother waiting to give birth. She and her husband have spent months, perhaps even years, talking about and planning for this child. Advent is the last stretch of the planning. The time is coming close now. Is everything ready? Suitcase packed? Doctor and hospital phone numbers close at hand? Is it time? Now?