June 20, 2007
Dear Members and Friends:
Writing. Today it is this letter to you. Tomorrow it will be a sermon. Last week it was the brochure for the Capital Campaign. Twice a week it should be my Blog. Everyday it is birthday cards, sympathy cards and notes of encouragement. Don’t forget the column for News and Views due the 10th of every month. Some you think all I do is talk, but some days it feels like all I do is write. The good news is, I love doing both!
This week I am in Collegeville, MN for a workshop entitled: Writing and the Pastoral Life. A dozen pastors sit around a table reading and critiquing each other’s writing. We hear from Eugene Peterson, a great pastor and writer, on how he does it. We share insights, ideas, techniques, frustrations and joys. In our free time we are locked in our rooms with laptop computers cranking out more writing.
This time away with my computer and my colleagues is always productive. I am able to join the morning and evening prayers of the Benedictine monks at the College of St. John’s. That daily rhythm feeds my soul. The conversations about books, authors, ideas, and world events feed my mind. The chance to sit and write feeds my creativity and gives me energy.
Thank you for allowing me this time away. I appreciate the extra effort is requires on the part of the rest of the staff. This is an important part of my ministry, important for me and important for you. Hopefully, it will help us all grow together.
I will be sure to write you a post card!
Blessings,
Teri