by Denis Beausejour (August 2005)

... So what’s up with an average week? Well, for me (Denis), it begins early each day with private prayer and worship, followed by exercise.  Then we wake the kids up for breakfast, time together planning the day, and prayer before school. Then time with Marianne. So I will generally not get to the office before 9:30-10:00. In his sermon on July 31st, you heard a little about Todd’s schedule with his family, and with his four young kids; he is even busier than I am!

Mondays are filled with staff meetings, a review of last week’s service and planning for the next few weeks. Elders meet at 6:30 a.m. every first Monday for a time of prayer and at 7:00 p.m. every third Monday for a business meeting. For me, the other two Monday evenings are devoted to our small group. I generally have uncommitted time between 4:30-6:00 p.m.on Mondays for brief (30 minute) meetings.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Todd and I generally meet with people from 10:00-6:00, with a focus on projects, discipleship and training. We may also have meetings in the evening for counseling, marital preparation, or community issues. Also, there is the unexpected – for example last week Todd officiated at a funeral, requiring about 12 hours of unforeseen
preparation time - and yet, this was a blessing to the family and a chance to share Christ with a full Chapel of Mariemont residents!

For me, Wednesdays from 9:00-3:00 are devoted to sermon preparation, which I do from home. I generally invest 15-20 hours per week to develop each message. Wednesday afternoon I usually have a few meetings, followed by our church fellowship dinner, and the midweek worship and prayer service at the Chapel. (By the way, if you have never tried this service, you are missing a real treat - come and see how powerfully God has been moving in our times of prayer!)

Todd’s schedule is similar, but he has even more direct ministry teams working with him. This includes four teams in the Children’s Ministry, six teams in the outreach area, five in the membership area, and eight teams in the Youth Ministry!

Friday is the official day off for MCC staff (except Lois who works 1/2 day) – we really appreciate your attention to this; it gives us a day to tune out and be refreshed!

Saturdays are generally devoted to finishing touches on the sermon, special teaching events like the monthly Men’s Ministry gatherings, weddings, spiritual gift classes, new members’ classes, and so on.

Sunday mornings we are usually in early for preparation, prayer and, of course, for services and for fellowship afterwards. Todd usually meets with the youth on Sunday evenings. For Todd, youth ministry generally involves 10-12 weekend activities per school year - from retreats to Ichthus to parties!

Despite our busy weeks, both Todd and I can be easily reached by phone or email. We generally return calls within 24 hours and can usually see people who need us within 2-3 business days. We are always
glad to hear from you!