Hold up, Rewind.

"Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to Him." Psalm 28:7

 I have the joy and privilege to marry a couple this coming October. How did I get to this point so fast? How exciting and terrifying at the same time. The past few months have been an interesting series of events. So, lets rewind for a moment.

You graduate from Divinity School- the place where you've spent the last three years. I remember my first weekend in Durham and I had to GPS everything. I only visited a mile radius around my home, not even aware of the farmers market, downtown, Walltown [where I would later move] and that students actually lived in neighborhoods instead of gated apartment communities. Needless to say the past three years were much needed in terms of spiritual and personal growth. I love Durham, I miss it already and although the third years were chomping at the bit to get out- a part of me will always miss both the Div school and the Bull City.

I walked out of the Chapel doors and packed up my home in Durham. A few days later I would set off on the Beezus and Baynham adventure to the northeast. For those who don't know, Beezus is Katie B. Anthony. The "B" stands for Beezus:)  First stop DC. A bike tour around the monuments, a Nats game and good food. Next stop Philadelphia where we would only exit the car to get a new iphone for Katie but we actually didn't then we would spend the next hour getting lost only to pass where we had originally stopped. Ay de mi. Then New York City! Crazy drivers, loud noises, tons of people and a cute little apartment on the Upper east side. We stayed with Katie's cousin who is quite possibly one of the funnies people I have ever met. So we wandered around the city for a few days and then headed for Rehoboth Beach, Del. It involved a ferry ride which mean nap timeeee. We camped in Rehoboth until we made the final trek to Newport News Virginia thru the Eastern Shore.

In two days time we would begin a nine day school. Yes, more school. Licensing School is required for those being appointed to churches through the Conference. Katie and I were placed on the first floor with Beth Downs. Winning. The school was to teach s about conducting various services, finances, Pensions, preaching, teaching and much more. It was a great time to meet clergy from all over and begin our connection as colleagues. We would conclude the nine days with a test. Ew. From there I would jump in my car for Nags Head, NC.

Best friend is getting married. I arrived at the beach house only to be shuffled to make bouquets. I was officially on THE itinerary. We practiced the ceremony on the beach, had a great time at the rehearsal dinner and would spend the next day primping, dancing and laughing before the big moment. Then by 5:30 Sam and Shawn were married!

For the next couple of weeks, I hung around good ole Newport News VA. Hanging out with friends. Wishing my best Emily didn't have to go to school every day. Chilling with Brenda- making her reorganize the whole garage with me that was full of my stuff. Oh yeah in 100+ degree weather. Making final arrangements for my move in July and beginning to get nervous. Really nervous.

June 22nd I left for Annual Conference in Roanoke Virginia. For those who haven't driven down 460 in  a while. I would put it on the list of things to do...beautiful! Once in Roanoke we were approved by the clergy session to be commissioned or approved as local license pastors. We went to various dinners for Young Clergy, Duke Alum, and New Clergy. I am about to admit something. I am a Methodist nerd. I love holy conferencing, when it is holy. I love seeing old friends. I love the wit of our beloved Bishop Charlene Kammerer. I rejoice in the triumphs of our Conference and pray for those ways in which we need to grow. I love Annual Conference. Ok. Saturday night was the commissioning service and I admittedly cried during the whole thing. My favorite part of AC.

The next two weeks were filled by my life planner Emily Claire Sturk. Rascal Flatts Concert, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Eli Young Band in concert. Busch Gardens adventure with Kyla and Matt, dinners and other hang out times. The movers were all in place, I was packed and oh yeah I got a new dog.

CHARLES DUKE BAYNHAM. Because Charles Wesley is legit. Because I love Duke and Baynham, well just because. He's a lab/husky mix and the sweetest dog everrrr.

And then....IT'S MOVING DAY. My aunt came to help my mom and I unpack and begin to get settled. The house is huge so plenty of space to store the very little I own, hah. Picks on the facebook. It's weird and cool living alone. Although Charles is basically my bestie. So in the midst of unpacking I was writing a sermon for my first Sunday at Fairfax UMC.

Sunday is upon us. I have never preached four services in my life- exhausting! So many names, people and more people but AHHH this is what I have been preparing for! Whew, its wild and wonderous as someone once put.

And here I am today speaking with a couple about performing their wedding. How did I get here? Yep, wild and wonderous. Thanks be to God!

Until next time,
Peace,

Pastor LB

Hot office, warm welcome.

This coming Tuesday will mark three weeks of being a Fairfaxian. Or Fairfaxite? Either way it seems like I just got here but already I'm in the mix of the ministries going on at Fairfax UMC.

For those who don't know, I'm serving as Associate Pastor with responsibilities ranging from Welcome Committees, Visitors and Membership to Worship Planning. I'm still getting all the details on my responsibilities but I must say, so far so good. I'll give you a recap on my first full week in the office.

What better way to say, "hey, I'm the new Pastor!" than preaching! I was blessed to share with the congregation on my first Sunday. After the first service, I walked to the back to greet people and I didn't think the receiving line was ever going to end! But the people were so kind and welcoming that I didn't think anything of it. After that it was time to get ready for the next service. Praise be to God that both went well and the Spirit spoke! After the 11:00 service there was a reception where my Mom and I got to meet everyone and hear the different tid bits of the church. Here are the ones that have stuck with me.

There are way too many Tarheel fans here. I'm going to have to scrounge to find people to watch games with. And flash forward in the week- I walk in Monday morning and Tim is drinking out of a UNC mug...needless to say I hid the mug.
The congregation is very open. About there love for Fairfax, the church, and one another.
Four services is a lot and I think I need to create a Pastor bootcamp for such a thing.
It was surreal to be called Pastor Lindsey but cool.
And finally Monday morning, I walked into an office with no air!

So the week jumped off and what better way to start your first week than with 100 kids stomping, laughing, and yelling through the halls. VBS! I was pumped. So with the children filling the church throughout the week, I began setting up the office, learning my way around and getting to know the staff. Everyone except Mike was in for the week- he had just taken the Senior high on a mission trip. More details to come! I would say there were some key things that helped me my first week:

Libby. Libby has been working at Fairfax for 36 years in a variety of positions and she knows the history, the people and of course the logistical things. She is very organized [which for those who know me, thrills me to no end!] and so assuring. Even when I was sitting in the office making sure I understood the computer, Libby was checking in and welcoming me every day.

Sue. Sue has knowledge beyond my years of all things technical. Fax machine, phone, Shelby [some data base that is endless] and the copier. She has a great spirit and is full of life. Always laughing.

Jason. Jason is the previous Associate and has been SO helpful in this transition. I may have worn out my "call me anytime" card but I am so thankful for his assistance and glad to call him a colleague!

These are just a snapshot of the many ways people were welcoming and helpful this past week. I look forward to getting to know the staff better as well as the congregation.

Well as I sit in my now cool office on this Sunday morning. It's hard to believe that a week as passed by, but this is what God has been preparing me for and that is a blessing. So thanks Fairfax UMC for a warm welcome!

Peace!
Pastor Lindsey