Madeline in Paris

It’s been so long since I posted anything on this blog that even I wondered if it was still viable. But this piece of news merited a post so here we go. When we returned to the US after our year at The American Church in Paris, France back in 2017, many people asked us what we thought would be next. We said that we didn’t really know but if given the chance to return to Paris, we would do so in a heartbeat. We also got our sweet little Labrador puppy shortly thereafter and named her Madeline, in part because of the children’s book Madeline which chronicles the adventures of a little orphan girl throughout Paris. So today we’re letting our world know we have been given the chance to return to Paris and Maddie will get to be Madeline the Lab in Paris. It’s all so exciting we can hardly stand it. Photo mock up by Michael Nelson

In late September we got word that there was an opening for the associate pastor position at the American Church in Paris and we felt compelled to apply for the position. It’s basically pastors of Community Life and includes adult education which encompasses a rich lecture program, retreats, fellowship events, pastoral care, and leading worship and preaching. So much about this job suits us and we were excited about the possibilities. A couple of weeks ago the council unanimously voted to call us as interim co-pastor associates. It’s interim because the church has a significant transition ahead with their beloved senior pastor leaving after 12 years. Next autumn, an interim will be in place, then the following autumn the permanent senior will be in place and at that time they will begin a formal search for a permanent associate. We would be allowed to apply should we desire to stay on after the transitions. So it’s an initial 2 year contract with the possibility of renewing. We are very grateful for the longer period of time on the initial contract as we have felt a desire to “settle down” again with a congregation for a longer period of time. The fact that we already know so much about this community and church is a huge bonus as it doesn’t feel like a brand new move. We loved ACP so much that to return in a capacity that we are well-suited for is one big gift.

That’s the church spire to the right of the other big tower in Paris!

The plan is for us to rent out our house in the desert (furnished) to a long term renter. We’ll sell the car and golf cart, pack up some stuff to ship, put other stuff away for a bit and move to France. Tentative move date is January 30 with a start date at the church February 1, 2020. 

In the meantime, we’re sorting through boxes and closets and books, playing golf, eating grapefruit off our trees, spending time with friends, and enjoying the Advent and Christmas season here in the desert one last time for awhile. 

I really hope to write more along the way...following the adventures of Maddie the Lab in Paris could be pretty fun. We are utterly grateful beyond believe. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. What might be new for you in 2020?