When I was younger, I loved change. I would reorganize my bedroom as a girl about once a month. As an adult, I used to move my furniture around regularly to create a sense of newness and change. Change was exciting, refreshing, and invigorating. Now, not so much.
Now change requires me to be flexible, which I am less of every single day. Change requires me to be alert, which I am easily distracted from. Change requires me to be ready for whatever comes my way, which I find more and more difficult to be!
The truth is, there is comfort in routine and tradition. And, there is value in change and fresh perspectives. I feel that as a church, since Covid, we have been “getting by” and getting things done. Yet, the sense of rhythm is disrupted. Our routines are not as they were, and perhaps they never will be.
None-the-less, time marches on and we must as well. It is my hope, prayer, and goal that we return to some of our normalcy of the past. Things like our greeters and flower donations. Committees meeting regularly and purposefully. Full worship every week and lots of ministry happening at every turn. And, getting some kids and youth active around here!
The past few years have called for us to do some changing, and that is good! We should always make sure what we are doing is important and for God. But there is value in our roots and our traditions. They are proven methods of growing and strengthening our fellowship.
Please join with me in welcoming 2023 and whatever it is God has in store. God says in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” And Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” And somewhere in between these two promises is the work we do as Christ’s church.
Unlike 2022, I have made no specific plans for 2023. I will be open to the lead of the Holy Spirit while being faithful to our traditions. It seems that is what God would like best! I guess it is time to listen. Happy New Year!
First Congregational Community Church of Roscoe 