Another Change of Seasons
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
The New Year often brings new hope and new resolve for a change for the better. To this end we make resolutions which we rarely keep, and we do our best to put the past behind us, but then we often fall back into old patterns that never did serve us well. This is especially true with regard to eating habits.
The trouble with the New Year is that our circumstances don’t actually change with a new year, only the date changes.
When we are “in Christ” our circumstances don’t necessarily change either, but we do, we become a “new Creation”, a child of God. We are forgiven and loved, and we have a new Lord and master, and we are no longer alone in this world. Some people say this doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but I have found that it makes all the difference. To know that the God of the universe is with you and that everything is okay between you and God makes every day a new day and it makes every burden more bearable.
Sometimes a new year does bring changes in our circumstances, and that can be as scary as it is hopeful especially when you can’t be certain of what lies ahead. Our parish is going through a time of transition. Our faith community is experiencing some very significant demographic changes which will affect businesses, schools, social institutions and life styles. As these changes take place, churches will have to make adjustments to deal with them.
At the same time we will be looking for a new pastor to help guide us through these troubled waters. Calling a pastor is a serious undertaking which requires much prayerful consideration. It also requires a good deal of faith, faith that God is working in the process, faith that God will bring the right person for the job, faith that God is shaping the future of this parish and “making all things new.”
Your Servant in Christ,
~Pastor Tom Olson