It was pouring down rain as i drove up to the church. I pulled up the hood on my coat, grabbed my computer bag and my purse and headed toward the door. As i opened it the first person i met was surprised to see me. Her response was to look surprised and say “Oh you’re the one.” The second person on the Bishop’s Committee said, “I never thought it was you the bishop was talking about.” It turned out that the Senior Warden was the only person who knew it was me before that meeting started.

As i made my way around the room to meet church leaders who didn’t expect to be meeting me, i started to feel like i was in the opening episode of the Vicar of Dibley. In that series a new female vicar comes to a small church that is not expecting her. It’s even pouring rain on the day she arrives to meet with the leaders. One of the leaders was late and when she came in and saw me she exclaimed, “It’s Carla Robinson! Wow!”

The interview began. I asked questions. They asked questions. We talked for two hours. They gave me a tour of the facility. I stayed in the Junior Warden (a long time leader who has served in many roles in that congregation) and we talked about administrative issues and other sundry items.

In the end i left feeling very good about the interview. The place has some serious challenges. There’s a lot of hard work to do there. This is not a cushy assignment. It’s going to take time to turn the place around. But the leaders expressed a desire to do that work, to do church differently, to make changes and try some new things in outreach and worship. I don’t know if they really understand what change will mean but they said they are committed to trying.

I came out of the church, got in my car and i knew that i had won over all of them…every single member of the Bishop’s Committee. They are ready to say YES to the bishop’s deal and to me.

It’s time to get serious about finding a new place to live. However before i do that i have one more interview. And that’s on Friday evening.