However, I am talking about change and the changes that are coming our way in the church in 2018.
The Leadership team has been working hard in recent months.
• In recent months…
– A few months ago, the leadership team created a new committee we AIM. The all people in ministry team. Their Job is to help us make our dream of every member in ministry a reality. Helping to make sure that every person is acting out their faith in a ministry, big or small, inside or outside the church.
– 2 months ago, the leadership team has committed to young adults and young families and asked the nominating committee to intentionally seek out young leaders, not to take their place, but to help us intentionally reach out and include young adults and young families. We did that. And This month we elected our 2018 leadership team have 4 new leaders under 40. That is almost 30%.
– Finally, this month we adopted the recommendations of the HSCI Worship action team charged with making our Sunday worship more comfortable for people of all ages. They are calling for some changes.
• Some you might not notice or care about.
• Other things you will notice. Hopefully, you will ask, “Why didn’t we do that 10 years ago?”
• We worked very carefully to create an environment that will be welcoming
and comfortable for everyone. The changes are pretty simple:
– Improve hospitality and Fellowship as we gather
– creating a softer and more meditative environment with lights and the flow of the service.
– Instituting a couple of things requested by young families, While there is nothing better than hearing a child giggle in worship some have asked for a
• children’s church alternative for 3 year old’s to third grade during part of the service
• nursery option for parents who might prefer to use it.
– Most things will not change:
• The music won’t change,
• the Bible centered teaching will not change
• the sense of sharing community won’t change,
• the worship time won’t change,
• (most importantly,) you do not even have to give up your favorite spot.
– These three things position us for one of the most exciting years we have had since I arrived.
To help you reflect on how you handle change in your life and in particular in the church,, I have selected Bible stories in which characters respond to something new in a variety of ways. See which one(s) best describe you...
KNOW- God is a God of change….Read Revelation 21:1-8
GROW- Reflect on how you handle change.
• Maybe you have lots of excuses to avoid change.
– Read Exodus 3. How did God deal with Moses’ excuses?
• Maybe change scares you.
– Read numbers 13. How did Moses respond to the fear of the spies?
• Maybe you think change is crazy.
– Read 1 Samuel 17 Was David crazy?
• Maybe you think change should come very slowly.
– Read Matthew 14:22-33. What happened when Peter didn’t commit?
• Maybe you like things the way they are.
– Read Matthew 9:16-17 What was Jesus advice about new things.
• Maybe you say, “we have never done it that way before” why change now?
– Read John 3 What was Jesus’ answer?
• Change is OK if everyone changes to become “like us?”
– Read Acts 15 What was the church’s answer?
• Maybe you accept change gratefully, trustingly, and hopefully like Abraham?
– Read Genesis 12
GO- What changes do you hope for in 2018? Personally? In your family? Our church? Our community? Our country? Our world?
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