One thing was left out....

It seemed simple enough - drive for 9 hours to a town, stay a few nights, meet the consistory, preach a sermon.

After lunch I was shown one of the bulletins with the liturgy laid out. It looked pretty traditional - a little more traditional then I expected from this "informal church". I had the sermon almost ready - I had the details but was struggling to get it to flow just right. But I had time after lunch to take a nap and get it working for the next day. Then the organist said "I'll just need the hymn numbers from you".

What on earth was she talking about - I wasn't asked to pick hymns. I casually asked - "Oh, does the pastor generally pick the hymns?". Then I casually asked for the hymnal and felt completed overwhelmed trying to even think of a hymn as I looked at the layout - one for opening worship, response to confession, response t sermon...Oh My! I need five of 'em.

As casually as I could, I asked - does the pastor write out the liturgy. "Oh, yes".

I figure out the hymns, write them down and get going. I figure out what I need to phone into the person who actual types up the liturgy and spend more time figuring out the prayers and such for the service.

I love writing the whole service - I just like to know before hand. I assure the typist that in the future she will have all work in to her on Thursdays.

I'm relieved that I have proven I can do this!