Self-Imposed Exile Lifted

Since I preached back home on July 13 I have been observing a vow to not go to church until my internship starts. My rationale was two-fold: 1) I thought it might be awkward to be at church before my official start date (Aug 17); and 2) once the internship starts each and every Sunday for the rest of my life (after all, pastors don't retire) will be dedicated to church. I might as well relish the freedom while I can!

My vow was broken yesterday as I attended Desert Cross for the first time. Pastor Steve had mentioned that this was the assistant youth director's last Sunday and he would be preaching and having his son baptized. I wanted to be there because this guy has been a huge help to me through this transition. I got to know him last April when I was down in Tempe for a conference. He was very welcoming - showing me his apartment complex (which we eventually moved into) and introducing me to his then 4 day old son. It was great to see him and I'm glad I lifted my church exile to be there.

Here are a few of my impressions from my first worship service at Desert Cross.

1. It's way laid back and casual; no clerical collar for me!.

2. Pastor Steve has memorized the entire baptismal liturgy, which I find incredible (maybe I will have it memorized after I am a pastor for nearly 40 years).

3. I love how everyone holds hands during the Lord's Prayer.

4. Everyone whom I have met at Desert Cross (no matter how briefly) went right up to me to say hi (even during the middle of the service!).

5. The wine for communion was pretty bad!

6. The music was very well done; and I don't generally like contemporary praise music.

7. It feels like home.