Jennie Wilson penned the words to the hymn, “Time Is Filled with Swift Transition.” The words say, “Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build you hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand. When your journey is completed, If to God you have been true, Fair and bright the home in glory, Your enraptured soul will view.”
Indeed, it seems that life is filled with swift transition. A number of issues and concerns face our nation, we are in a major recession, we are engaged in two national wars, India is under attack and pirates are ravaging the high seas like never before. It seems like only yesterday that all was going well and none of these problematic concerns was before us; the transition has been swift.
Our church is likewise experiencing what seems like swift transition also. We face multiple concerns that will not go away unless we take decisive action as a community of faith. Other concerns are manifesting themselves based on the age of some of our members. In times like these, it is good to know that we can hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Action toward our concerns must be inclusive of all members; young and old, both in age and tenure.
As we seek to address the growing needs of our church, it is imperative that we build our hopes on things eternal, enabling us to sustain ourselves for a future that is just on the horizon. We must be concerned for those among us that are aging gracefully and have a heart to serve but not the ability. We must be concerned for those who are new and are just learning how to care for God’s most precious earthly gift, the church. We must be concerned about the sacred space that we occupy, that we maximize our potential for its use as well as its upkeep.
As we enter 2009, we will make transitions that many may consider swift. Transition, modification, retrofitting, and renovating are words that signify change. Change is often a challenge to our comfort zones and our normative sensibilities. However, changes occur every day and often without our permission. Not so with us; we are hopeful that every member is interested in the church enough to come and let your voice be heard as we prepare for a future that is ours to enjoy if we prepare for it. Our history has been rich and we honor those on whose shoulders we have stood. We honor their work, sacrifice, dedication and zeal for this sacred space; however, we must prepare this place for a new era; a time that is foreign yet familiar to all of us.
To help us, we are looking to collaborate with the Church of the Resurrection and utilize their expertise and experience in church growth to assist us in forging a new trial for the future of our church and the benefit of our community. With their assistance, we hope this to be a pilot program for other congregations to replicate. It is my prayer that you join others and me in taking up this arduous God-sized task.
