Starting a New Year
Like you, 2020 was not the year I anticipated. Like you, this year gave me splendid challenges and great weariness. But it also gave me time for innovation and reimagining. Looking back, I’ve glimpsed beauty, hope, help, and joy more often than I’d thought possible. Here’s 11 of those memorable points.
Celebrations - 1 house party with friends pre-COVID. Seems like ages ago now. Our family deeply misses gatherings with friends. The beauty of friendship has a new poignancy.
Coaching - 2 - new clients, 1 Presbyterian, 1 United Methodist. I cannot imagine doing transitional ministry without a coach. I’m so grateful for my coach Beth Bolsinger. Her wisdom offers me perspective, hope, and companionship in my journey.
Guides - 3 - published three guides: a Guide for Worship Leaders Serving Congregations in the Reformed Tradition, What Interim Pastors Do First, What Interim Pastors Do Next. Adapt as you wish. I’m grateful for the guidance of my academic advisor Heather Henson for helping me strengthen my voice.
How to Host a Congregational Meeting online - nearly 100 - my most popular blog post of 2020.
Input on the lectionary - 9 readers offered helpful input on preaching from the lectionary. More on what they had to say is coming your way soon! I’m grateful for the help this community gives one another.
LLC Interim By Design ~ Consulting & Coaching became an LLC in 2020. With gratitude to Nikki Davidson, Bruce Buskirk , and Diane Smith for your expert guidance.
Moments in time - 35 minutes past noon on Friday March 6th, made the decision to move to online worship. Since that moment, I’ve seen the pandemic spur intense creativity in the church communities I’ve led this year. We’ve tried live streaming, co-hosting with other congregations, Zoom based services, and numerous types of outdoor drive thru worship services. These moments give a deep sense of joy.
Ordination -7 years since my ordination, among my favorite things to do is serve alongside candidates for ordained ministry. This year there were 4. They give me hope for the church.
Pop-up Fair Trade Sale - hosted our 1st outdoor sale of the 21st century. We loved seeing all of you who showed up to support the talented artisans of Thai Village, Inc. You gave us such joy!
Reading - 105 is my eclectic collection of books read in 2020. Many recommended by you. Goodreads: I hope we’re connected on this site. Shortest book “She Persisted” a marvelous 32 page book written by Chelsea Clinton. Longest book “Ninth Street Women” enjoyed by audio, 944 pages. My favorite genres continue to be memoir, ministry, and listening to authors read their own books. I’m grateful for my book club, and am glad to work among colleagues who are avid readers.
Sermon series - 3 - published three series. Love One Another: a sermon series for divisive times, Being Christians Where We Live: a series on Acts, Finding Courage in Chaotic Times: a series in 1 & 2 Kings.
Staff - 12 - saw staff members in 2 churches transition to new pastoral leadership. A resource for preparing staff for a new pastor. A field-tested resource for onboarding new staff during a pandemic. And finally, a guide for managing staff transitions.
Dearest online community, thank you for adding beauty, hope, help, and joy to the year that was 2020. Onward into 2021 we go!
Glad we’re in it together, Shari
