A time of Waiting & Preparation

Transitions in congregations are often frustrating because there is so much time spent in waiting --waiting for the Parish Profile to be written, waiting for people to respond to the invitation to consider a new Call, waiting for names, waiting, waiting, waiting. Yet, as in the season of Advent, this waiting is not to be taken lightly. It is in fact a very active time, when things are moving in the nature of the transition process, and God is actively working in the lives of those who are engaged in waiting.
This week has been almost consumed by Transition Ministry work: a two-day meeting with Transition Ministry colleagues of Province V in Milwaukee, talking with laity involved in the calling process of a new rector, interim clergy, and clergy considering making a change in their ministry. Much of the conversation has been about the process and how to engage it in ways that will result in a positive experience for the clergy and people together.
And then there is the preparation for the Living Stones Partnership gathering in February. As the deadline is upon us for producing the Baptismal Ministry Experience & Reflection document to be shared with partners, I find myself attempting to explain in 4 pages the ministries offered through those in our diocese (both paid and volunteer) who serve as ministry developers in Western Michigan.
May God give us the insight to wait and prepare for God's presence in our lives.