Christmas Sunday

Got to spend this morning at a church pastored by a friend of mine. It is highly unusual for a pastor to experience Christmas Sunday at another church. With the timing of our transition it worked out.

I love getting new perspectives and seeing how others do things. I learn from it. Experiences like today also give me the chance to see what it is like going to church as a visitor.

We enjoyed the service and the worship. It was relaxed and pointed and comfortable.

We were home by noon and my wife made a comment about being home so early. I think she was implying that normally the preacher at our church goes too long or something, I'm not sure.

Two thoughts from this morning that will stay with me:

• First, transitions in the service are very important and do not happen by accident
• Second, less is more when it comes to the elements in the service. Making the most of the time and not allowing anything to come in that is filler or fluff are vital.
• Third (I know I said two, but I'm a preacher and you knew there had to be at least three), we need to make sure that things are adequately explained so that guests understand what is happening and what is expected.

Well, I'm going to relax for a while longer before getting back to packing and cleaning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!