Week 2 Here and Gone!

Another elective done! It's hard to believe that this week concludes my third and final elective as part of the program. It also signals my final sermon that I needed to preach as part of the residency component of the program. It feels very strange to be on the other side of three residencies and now looking ahead to the thesis and final sermons that will contribute towards it. For sure there is a lot of work ahead, yet the finish line is in site and I can see my annual trips to the amazing city of Chicago coming to an end. In many ways this in an of itself is sad. I've been fortunate to have been offered this opportunity to join together with fellow preachers who are just as passionate and focused on preaching as I am. That in and of itself would have been enough, yet what's also happened is that I've become attached to these folks. Many of them have evolved from classmates, to colleagues, to friends. Friends who are fellow preachers is a rare and valuable commodity. I have friends in this program who can talk with me about my preaching in a way that few others can. They offer their words, both positive and challenging, from the source of love in Christ and the mutuality of being a fellow preacher. I realize I'm starting to get sentimental about this whole process. Personally I think this is one of the strengths of the program. Not only will I be a better preacher because of this program. I will also leave it with an international network of preachers and friends. Eight weeks and three summers later, it's time to return to Trinity United Church of Christ, one last time, before the home stretch of week three.