Priestly ponderings …
Loss, new beginnings, farewells, renewal, concerns, opportunities, blessing, bewilderment; reunions; all of these reflect the complexities of human life. These are the myriad of issues and feelings many of us have encountered throughout these summer months. From the sad farewells to our college-bound children, to happy reunions as people return from summer vacations, my sense is that we are always in some phase of transition in our lives. Change seems to be the order of the day.
Change usually brings some level of angst to our life and yet, our scripture readings these past few weeks (and continuing this fall) remind us that in the midst of change and transition, God is ever-present with and to us; God’s purposes are always moving forward.
This month’s newsletter is filled with information about opportunities for growth, renewal, challenge and yes, changes in how we live as a community of faith in West Memphis. But that’s the joy of Christian life: it is never boring! God is always offering us ways to enter into a deeper relationship with God and with each other, especially in the areas of hospitality, love, prayer, and support.
As you peruse our various fall programs and activities, I hope you will have a greater sense of God’s renewing work in our midst. Three years ago, we were hanging on for dear life struggling to keep our doors open. Now, our average Sunday attendance has stabilized and, while there is room (and much need) for continued growth in membership and support, let us celebrate the incredible journey we have been privileged to embark upon together and offer our thanks to God for our past, our present, and especially, our future, which we are confident is firmly etched in the palms of God’s hands.
Yours in service to the Gospel,
Allan+
Loss, new beginnings, farewells, renewal, concerns, opportunities, blessing, bewilderment; reunions; all of these reflect the complexities of human life. These are the myriad of issues and feelings many of us have encountered throughout these summer months. From the sad farewells to our college-bound children, to happy reunions as people return from summer vacations, my sense is that we are always in some phase of transition in our lives. Change seems to be the order of the day.
Change usually brings some level of angst to our life and yet, our scripture readings these past few weeks (and continuing this fall) remind us that in the midst of change and transition, God is ever-present with and to us; God’s purposes are always moving forward.
This month’s newsletter is filled with information about opportunities for growth, renewal, challenge and yes, changes in how we live as a community of faith in West Memphis. But that’s the joy of Christian life: it is never boring! God is always offering us ways to enter into a deeper relationship with God and with each other, especially in the areas of hospitality, love, prayer, and support.
As you peruse our various fall programs and activities, I hope you will have a greater sense of God’s renewing work in our midst. Three years ago, we were hanging on for dear life struggling to keep our doors open. Now, our average Sunday attendance has stabilized and, while there is room (and much need) for continued growth in membership and support, let us celebrate the incredible journey we have been privileged to embark upon together and offer our thanks to God for our past, our present, and especially, our future, which we are confident is firmly etched in the palms of God’s hands.
Yours in service to the Gospel,
Allan+
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