I'm New Here

Being the "new kid on the block" can always be a bit challenging at times.  As someone who works with youth and children, I try to work on creating the least awkward/uncomfortable/challenging situation possible with new faces, but alas, that doesn't always happen, does it?  I like to think that part of this journey I'm on called life has these "new kid on the block" experiences so that I can ideally learn something from them.  And in learning gain some knowledge or wisdom, or at least have a good story to share with others.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

For the facing of this hour, 

For the facing of this hour. 

This is the second time I've been the "new guy" at a church, and let's be honest, it won't be the last.  In my previous internship, there were THREE interns, which meant I wasn't the only "new guy".  Better yet, I had cohorts to commiserate with when I fumbled or bumbled during worship. 

Speaking of fumbling and bumbling, let's address what happened this morning.  

Meet Mike. 

Don't be fooled by Mike's fancy appearance and cool gadgetry.  Mike's a tricky one.  For instance, Mike has to be turned on and off each time you use Mike.  So, that means don't turn Mike on right when you robe up, because if you talk with some people in the office, the entire worshiping body in the sanctuary will hear you.  (Thank goodness I wasn't in the ladies room or telling awful jokes!)

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, 

Lest we miss Thy kingdom's goal, 

Lest we miss Thy kingdom's goal. 

The best thing about being the "new kid on the block" with a church?  grace.

Grace. 

Laughter.

Kindness.

Grace abounds.

Laughter abounds.

Kindness abounds. 

There is ample room for forgiveness, growth, and a chuckle. 

So when on your first Sunday you read something like this:

Romans 16: 1-16

(I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.  Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.  Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.  Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.  Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.  Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.  Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.  Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.  Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.  Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.  Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.  Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.  Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.)

...a verse full of names that are tongue twisters by themselves but then when piled together seem utterly impossible, you are able to stand before the congregation and just smile your way through it.  (And then after worship, joke with members on the baptism by fire you've received.)

Our God is a God of Grace. 

Our church is a place of Grace.  

All so we continue worshiping, serving, and loving in this world our God has created. 

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, 

Serving Thee whom we adore, 

Serving Thee whom we adore.