Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

I tried to switch my calendar, address book and To Do Lists to my iPhone to help organize my life but it just didn’t work. I have switched back to my trustee Daytimer with two pages per day for appointments and lists. It is the same system I have been using since 1981 and it is an entertaining exercise to leaf through the years and see what made my To Do Lists over all three decades at this time of year.

December looks much the same year after year. Here’s today’s list:

TO BE DONE TODAY (Action List)

• Finish Xmas sermons
• Plan staff party
• Schedule Xmas communions
• Plan stewardship campaign follow-up
• Voucher end of year expenses
• Nail down outreach projects
• Recruit for Xmas eve services, reception
• Check with Altar Guild
• Appoint nominating committee for Annual Meeting
• Finish Xmas shopping (staff/friends)

Looks a lot like 1981. Or 1991. Or 2001.

And on and on and on.

So much of our ministry repeats itself on an annual basis and year in and year out, December is the fullest month of all. During these last days before Christmas it seems impossible that everything will fall into place - end-of-year calculations, pageants, special worship, home visits, outreach projects, endless sermons plus the parties and celebrations. Yet, it always seems to get done.

Just like any baby’s birth, when the time comes, Christ will be born again whether I am ready or not.

So I keep making my lists and checking them twice and try to stay organized. But I also pray for the grace, patience and trust to know the Christ Child’s birth does not depend on me. God sent us a son. Not me. That’s one I can cross off my To Do list.