HELLO!

Now that I am feeling 100% and my ears are as clear as Dolby sound, I am off to assisted care and long-term care facilities today. My late mother would take me with her after church to visit those seniors who lived alone and those church members who lived at Northwood. I became very comfortable with these meetings. I enjoy hearing others’ stories.

When colleagues ask me about how I find time to visit each week, along with the other jobs I do and the writing sermons, bulletins three weeks early, I use one word, “planning”. My 2024 Calendar is very “old school”, most friends use their phones to book appointments. In my calendar are an assortment of pastoral visits, planning for studies and sermons, meeting staff, etc… I find planning allows me to make the best use of my time, squeeze as many “connections” into my day as possible. There is rarely a day that goes by without at least 10 connections being made.

I know nothing about horoscopes and signs, but friends tell me I am a typical Libra, I see the pros and cons of every possible decision. The pros of my approach to time are obvious, I get a lot done, make many connections, and give people a lot of time. The cons are less obvious. Many of my colleagues schedule less so they can be in their office more for unexpected “drop ins” by church members and passers by. I had a colleague once who made tea and coffee in his office, soft music playing, creating a hospitable space for those unexpected encounters. He might see one or two people a day, but he felt it was worth it. I take the approach, I like many appointments, to see many people, get out of the office. Neither is better or worse, just how we perceive our calling.

If you want to visit with me, let me know. According to the church directory there are 440 people to visit. Obviously, I won’t be able to see everyone right away. If you tell me, in my third week, “you haven’t visited me yet” I will respond, there are 400+ others in the same boat. But I want to prioritize those who need these visits sooner than later. Perhaps that is you. But mind reading is not one of the gifts bestowed on me in ordination. Members of Woodlawn’s wonderful pastoral care team have given me some names to see. But I am always open to suggestions. And I look forward to connecting with you. Peace. Kevin