For those of you who have been reading the pop-culture journal faithfully, I apologize for the unannounced weeklong absence. My entries resume today. The reason I have been AWOL is that I have taken a position as the pastor of University Church at Purdue. This is a church I have been affiliated with in the past with my counseling practice. The previous pastor left suddenly and I was approached by the board to take the position. Since my speaking schedule is pretty like this fall, it seemed like the right time to take on this responsibility. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak in a different format — preaching — in contrast to public speaking and stand up comedy. Although I must say that already it has become obvious that my sermons are essentially stand up.