ArtWork EXTRA
Change Changes Things

It is a given that change happens. No matter how hard we try, change will occur whether we like it or not. To stubbornly remain at the status quo is to ensure failure and is futile. None of us still drive the same car as we did 20 years ago or look the same as we did 20 years ago--we have changed either voluntarily or involuntarily.

One response is to plan the changes we want or desire. Yes, the is the now famous adage, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” --Harry Reasoner.  But planning ahead for change means we are open to shaping the kind of change we want. It is also helpful to know that change is hard. Why? Put as directly as possible, but I hope not too harshly, change is hard because something must die--an old habit, a desire, whether good or bad. The hope is for something good to result.

Jesus spoke to this difficulty in John 12:24.  “Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”  Some change is good.

What’s all this talk of change? On April 15th the Asbury UMC and Faith UMC will be making some changes.  Worship at Asbury will begin at 9:30 and Sunday School at 10:40. It also means 5th Sunday lunch on April 29th will become a 5th Sunday brunch (eating earlier, that’s good). One other significant change is that Asbury UMC and Faith UMC will be sharing me, Pastor Art (sharing is good, yes?).  

I grew up in a camping family. To camp meant to experience change due to weather, detours, flat tires, etc. When things got crazy or difficult we had a camping motto: “All together now, ‘Camping IS fun!” and we’d all laugh at our situation. As we move forward together, let’s altogether affirm: “Change is good!” We know God will be laughing with us.