Grace and Truth: A word from pastors

Seems like there are changes swirling all around me these days. Today, as I write, is our church secretary’s last day with us. In her 10 years at this job she has seen multiple changes in church staff and structure. I will miss her. She has been a good secretary and an even better friend …

Changes coming upon us
It keeps moving, moving around us
Got to keep dancing knowing
He loves us
Got to keep joy in our hearts*

Seems like there are changes swirling all around me these days. Today, as I write, is our church secretary’s last day with us. In her 10 years at this job she has seen multiple changes in church staff and structure. I will miss her. She has been a good secretary and an even better friend.

Other friends of mine are making plans to move due to changes in their husbands’ employment. These families will be greatly missed in our congregation, and I will sorely miss having these friends in close proximity.

Congregations experience change on a regular basis. Change is a part of life. We grow older. The shoulders that regularly bore the weight of church responsibilities and tasks can no longer do so because of the changes that come with aging. New people come along to take up the responsibilities with fresh vigor and vision. While we rejoice that younger people are ready and willing to do the work of the church, the changes they implement are sometimes difficult for older ones to embrace.

He knows all of our needs and
He will meet them following His plan
Even the changes turning in His hand
Soon will be part of it all.*
In Allegheny Mennonite Conference, we are planning for change in our structures. We have been in this process for several years. In March, we voted to try on the suggested changes for two years. We don’t have all the details ironed out yet, which makes some uneasy. How will these changes affect our congregations? Will we truly be enabled to meet the changes in the society around us with this more flexible model? We don’t know yet. Not knowing troubles some and excites others.

So we enter a new time
There are places where it’s a hard climb
But there are faces carrying sunshine
Warming our path as we go*

Change is inevitable. As you’ve read about some of the changes in my life, you probably thought about changes in your own. If we continue to live, we will experience change. We can go kicking and screaming into the change or we can seek God’s desires in the midst of it.

Our congregation has used a process called Appreciative Inquiry to help us think about change. It works from the standpoint that change will happen. When we focus on the best of who we’ve been in the past, we can move into the changed future with greater confidence. If Appreciative Inquiry were to have a theme verse, it would be Philippians 4:8: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In the midst of change, it is not always easy to focus on what is true and pure and pleasing. But when we make it a habit to look for the honorable and just and commendable, it is easier to find the positives, even when the coming change is not a happy one.

Sometimes we may be lonely
It’s a hard job making us holy
But in the long run there will be glory
Glory to rival the sun*

God uses the changes of life to form us ever more into the likeness of Jesus, if we allow it. Living Philippians 4:8 is one way of cooperating with God in the midst of change. Praise God for this transforming power.

*These song lyrics are from “Changes” by Jim Croegaert. All rights reserved. Used by permission.