June 8, 2021

A New Thing

"BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING;
​NOW IT SPRINGS FORTH,
DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT?
I WILL MAKE A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS
AND RIVERS IN THE DESERT."

The prophet Isaiah shares this message in chapter 43 verse 19 to foreshadow the future for God's people. Ultimately, we will know that future, our current reality, as Jesus Christ who brings forth new life and a new way of being God's people.

As we enter into the summer months, we, too, are doing a new thing. In fact, we've done a LOT of new things in response to our call to be the church over the past many months. This new thing will be a move back to a weekly worship service held on Saturdays at 4:00pm inside our sanctuary. We are still discerning what this will mean for any outdoor worship service offerings over the summer, but in a recent survey more than 87% of you told us you are ready for this change.
We are also beginning the practice of providing communion that you can pick up at church to use at home during the live stream service on Sunday morning. We believe that giving everyone access to the Sacrament of Holy Communion is important, even when, especially when we are living into the new reality of two campuses and one community. Two campuses, one online and digital, one in person and in our building. We know it will take time before we can all be together as we once were. 

Doing new things for the sake of the gospel means a lot of things these days. We are working out how to provide Sunday School this Fall. Wondering about what Adult Faith Formation will look like. Pondering how we will offer Bible studies and new faith practices both online and in-person.
I have always been impressed with our people's commitment to serving others. What new things might we experience this year? How might God be calling us to be a part of these new things in our congregation, our community, and our world? How might you pray for our congregation to navigate all that will be new, even as we are able to return to much of what we know?
These are exciting times to be the church. Our friends, neighbors, and work colleagues are watching for signs of hope and hope is what we have. Be bold and share your faith with them and if necessary, use words.
May God grant us the wisdom to follow and the courage to be God's church, in this place, and in this time.

In peace and hope,
​Pastor Paul