update Aug - Oct 2011

I returned to Paola just in time to welcome both Mary (from Indiana) and Sarah (from Austin) to visit and attend my ordination and installation service.  My home pastor, Rev. Nancy Reeves (from Grace Presbyterian Church in Round Rock) preached.  Rev. Don Wilson, a mentor in Kevin’s group of Company of New Pastors, gave the charge to me, and Rev. Clare Lozano, one of my seminary friends, participated in the service as well. 

We have been living in Paola 10 weeks now.  It was hot—almost, but not quite as hot as Austin when we moved in August 12.  We had just enough time to get unpacked and set up before it was time for me to travel to Louisville for the first meeting of the Class of 2011 For Such a Time as This. [http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/7/29/ten-candidates-ministry-receive-first-calls-second/]  I met some wonderful people called to churches in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, and North Carolina and some equally wonderful mentors from those same states.  The support staff for this program—through the PCUSA national office is phenomenal.  Such a reaffirmation that I’m in the right program!

Then, I officially began my ministry as pastor to First Presbyterian Church Paola  http://www.presbyterianchurchpaola.org/.  The congregation has been warm and welcoming, inviting their friends to worship and encouraging me with positive feedback on the sermons and worship, enjoying my visits, and attending the mid-week lectionary Bible study I am leading.  The pastor of the Methodist church here, Rev. Jim Hopwood, has been particularly helpful in inviting me into the local ministerial/mission association and sharing contact information for helping those who call or come into the church office who are in need.
http://www.facebook.com/fpcpaola

I spend too much time at the church—according to some of my parishioners who want me to be physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually healthy.  But I’m enjoying what I’m doing!  I read to our (weekday) preschool classes and was invited on 2 of their field trips.  If I had not been out of town for meetings, I would have gone!  Maybe to the tree farm in December . . .

I am part of the Synod of Mid-America’s Gathering for Pastoral Sustenance group and attended the first of four retreats at the end of September.  Taking spiritual care of ourselves was the theme, and Marjorie Thompson, the author of Soul Feast was our keynote speaker.  Games to get to know one another, reflection time, worship, and just jawing with one another were also on the agenda.

The weather has been delightful and the trees have been gorgeous.  Although we drove to Mound City, KS one day to see the fall colors, we decided the colors in Paola are the best!

Last weekend, my brother and sister-in-law brought my mom here to celebrate together her 80^th birthday.  What a wonderful family I have!

Love to all of my friends—especially those who don’t live in Kansas or Missouri—because I haven’t seen you in awhile.

Mari Lyn