This morning with the snow and wind blowing outside things were a little slow, so a couple of other servers had gathered round our table to chat. One of them asked if Lindsay had told us her news. We said, “No, what news?” Lindsay put down her coffee pot, gave up the biggest smile that you could possibly imagine, and then said, “I’m pregnant…. with triplets!”
I can’t describe what I felt at that moment. I really don’t know Lindsay that well, but still I felt a mixture of happiness for her and whatever it is that comes to our minds when we hear the phrase “with triplets.” Of course, what matters is how Lindsay seems to be taking this. I’m happy to report that for being a pretty matter-of-fact kind of woman, she seemed very excited. It also seemed to me that she was looking forward to this unexpected adventure that awaits her.
I have no idea what it might be like to be pregnant, much less pregnant with triplets. One of the things I do know something about is the energy that surrounds Eden Prairie UMC these days; it is pregnant with possibilities that we cannot now fully anticipate. Another way of saying that last sentence is that I have no idea what exciting, engaging, life-transforming experiences are going to happen next here at EPUMC. I only know that something is going to happen beyond my expectations. I am looking forward to the adventures both expected and unexpected that await us.
Just as there are no words to describe…”Pregnant…with Triplets…” I have no words to describe what we can expect in 2018. But on Jan. 21 during worship, we are going to try. We’re going to remember what some of our adventures have been in 2017 -- the dramatic rise in worship attendance, the ministry opportunities that literally came calling on us. There are several others, so be ready to celebrate.
And then I’ll take up most of our time in worship exploring as best as we can imagine, the direction of our adventures in 2018. We’ll reveal our theme for worship in 2018. We have a great story to tell of recognizing God in your life. And an invitation to see God’s light shining in the challenges our present vitality is presenting us. I’ll have more to say during worship Jan. 21. For this week, I cannot encourage you enough to set that Sunday morning apart to be with your EPUMC church family.
By the way, if you go to OPH in the next couple of months and have the server who is a bit petite and goes by the name of Lindsay, tip her a little extra…she is going to need all the encouragement we can give her.
Keep the Faith,
Pastor Dan