My cousin who has been having stomach problems called this afternoon. She's going to the ER because (1) the pain has been getting worse, (2) she's been getting weaker, and (3) she can't wait for her appointment with the physician on the 12th. For the first time in memory, there was no one to call to ask that she be included in the prayers of the church. The interim pastor/transition pastor/transition leader, or whatever he is, doesn't arrive until July 13. Until then, whoever they can get will be filling the pulpit on Sunday mornings.
Although this Saturday is officially his last day, Pastor's last service was last Sunday. There was a ceremony at the end where he handed to representatives of the congregation the tools of the pastorate: the lectionary, the shell used in baptism, the pastors' edition of the book of worship, the chalices of wine, and the plate of hosts. Now it's like a football team that's winning, that has the ball, and is just letting the clock run out.
