There is hope...

I've found out yesterday that I have been invited to preach a 'neutral pulpit' sermon for a church that is interested in me. The Association Minister for the area pulled off a minor miracle and found a church for me to preach at in just over a day, on a Sunday coming up soon. The covenantal relationship that UCC churches share with one another asks that when churches are searching for a new pastor, the other churches in the area sometimes make their pulpits available for the search committee to hear pastors preach in a 'neutral' pulpit...one where the pastor and committee are unknown. It's not the best system, but it works most of the time. I'll be preaching in a church smaller than the one interested in me, and in a rural rather than an urban setting, but it will be fine. I'm looking forward to it. The pastor of the church where I will be preaching is a gracious man, and was hoping for a Sunday off soon anyway. I am grateful. As part of the service, I'll be giving the first children's sermon I've given in over five years...unless you count my University students as large children!