March 2023

Change is hard!

Sometimes it is subtle, and you don’t realize the difference; other times it can be so disruptive it sends you spinning. In either case it is inevitable that change will happen. How we, as a congregation, decide to proceed, will define us as much as the stained glass that surrounds us. We are First Baptist, us, the members, and visitors. We decide to invite Jesus into our lives and direct our individual and collective actions. We decide to reach out into our community with a helping hand and some much-needed food. We decide to move forward, with Christ, in Christ and for Christ. We will continue to be the beacon of hope for all those who seek us out.

We will persevere with faith, hope, and trust that God already has a plan for us. The immediate future will require patience, lots and lots of patience. The unknown is always frustrating, but, and it is a big but, if we trust that it will work as God has intended, the unknown is much less frustrating and anxious. Each end, by default creates a new beginning. Waiting for our next chapter can bring a sense of anticipation. Who will it be? Where will we proceed as a church? How will it reshape us yet again?

Last week was a shining example of us collectively moving forward with patience and hope. We had our annual meeting, and did the business of the church. Much was discussed, some changes were made, and some things stayed the same. That is how change works. We have new people coming onto boards, that’s how change works. We have our by-law committee, having finished an arduous task, coming to a close; that is how change works.

Let us all embrace the idea of change, let it lead us and shape us into who we are destined, as disciples of God, to become. Trust that God is driving, and we are only riding shot gun.

I look forward to taking this journey with you.

Your Moderator,
Linda K.