"Pastors only work one hour a week, on Sunday morning, right?"

What that's said to me, it's always tounge in cheek, by someone who's very supportive, and who knows how much there is to do in pastoral ministry the other days of the week, as well! But, since leading the liturgy this past Sunday (for the first time in four weeks!), I've been reminded how important that Sunday morning contact truly is, between congregation members and their pastor. Since this past Sunday, so many people have said how their spirits were lifted by my just being there.

It is true that Sunday morning is when 95% (or 97%? or 98%?) of the congregation's members see their pastor! So, over these next weeks, as I recover from this lingering sarcoidosis (inflammation in my lungs), it seems a good thing to schedule my productive hours and rest periods so that I spend the week pointing towards leading the Sunday morning liturgy and preaching. And I've recovered enough to become able to make phone contact with folks who are experiencing their own health difficulties and other challenges.

I hate missing time with the College students, and with Affirmation of Baptism youth and parents, and with book study participants, and, oh yes, committees, and all the other things I do during the evenings. But that will come with my recovery of energy and endurance, as God grants me healing.