Behind the Pulpit Again

Have I mentioned that I really love my church here?  It’s one of those unexpected joys of living in Scotland.  Most Sundays the congregation is made up of myself, a ten year old, and between 75 and 100 people within that age range.  And they are so much fun. 

Today I preached here for the first time.  It was, by far, the largest building that I’ve ever preached in; but as nervous as I was before beginning, it was great to be behind the pulpit again.  Notice that one is not exactly ‘behind’ The Pulpit in the Church of Scotland as much as they are ‘in’ The Pulpit.  In the photo below, The Pulpit is the elevated white box with the purple cross banner suspended from it.   The minister told me that I could preach from The Pulpit if I wanted… and wear robes if I wanted (ha!), but I declined. 

Perhaps next time!

Or not.

I elected instead for the wee pulpit at the front corner of the stage.  It felt more personable. 

Besides, this first time of preaching here was hard enough, as the minister wanted me to walk out with him and sit up front behind the communion table.  It had that very formal feel—which isn’t really me. 

Anyway, I think it went really well… or at least the people seemed to appreciate it.

Interestingly, it seemed that many people were surprised at my change in demeanor, as I transformed from my relatively quiet and gentle voice they know in to my public speaking, telling-it-like-it-is voice that they’ve not heard until today.  If you’ve heard me preach, you know what I’m talking about.  There’s more to this girl than most people realize! 

Isn’t it beautiful?

I look forward to the opportunity to preach again. Some day.  Long in the future.

Mostly though, right now I just look forward to life getting back to normal, beginning tomorrow.  There’s a chapter waiting to be written, and I’m anxious to get it done!