transitions

Poems have been in hiding for a few days. They can flow like the waters of the flooding Mississippi at times and then be as scares as water in the Sahara at other times. I've learned to avoid trying to force them. In my files are a group of poems I've started. One of these days I will look at them and they will jump off the pages to me.
Tonight I will join a friend who has an extra ticket to see the T-Bones. We will be the guests of an investment company and will sit in their suite.
Sunday is the day I preach a sermon to help North Star move our next step in the transition between our pastors. I feel like I am ready. I will preach from Exodus 17:9-13. In that passage the Israelite army was successful as long as Moses help the staff he had used to part the sea in the exodus. When his arms became tired, Moses and Hur (yep, that's spelled correctly) held his arms so the Israelites could win. I want to use my 48 years as a pastor to help our people understand how they can help hold up the arms of our new pastor. Here is the list:
1. Pray for him and for the church daily.
2. Remember -- he is NOT Brian. Be receptive to his different style.
3. Share only positive comments with him and about him.
4. Wear your name tag. I can't understand why people don't want to do this. It is especially importan since he has all these people's names to learn.
5. Volunteer to do things in the church.
6. Send cards and notes to the pastor and family from time to time just to encourage them.
7. Gifts. Once in a while give him a little something: gift certificate to restaurant, movie, etc.
8. Respect his day off and see that he takes it. Don't call him at home unless it is a REAL emergency.
9. Encourage him to take vacation and study time.
10. Be involved in things that will help us grow in our faith.
11. Invite people to church to "come hear our new preacher."