When Things Aren't Where They're Supposed to Be

Author: Mark Fenstermacher
August 06, 2020

Moving is a strange experience.

You pick up your things, pack them away, carry them a distance, and then start opening boxes. I find moving exhausting and -literally- unsettling.

Developing a new normal during times of transition and change requires thought and intentionality. You have to think about where you put your car keys, sunglasses and the tile/tub cleaner.

Schools are starting up. Staff and students are going to be going through change, learning a new normal that fits this new reality.

Businesses are scrambling to adjust their business models. A national newspaper had an article the other day outlining how people in the catering business are having to do new things. One caterer relocated from Manhattan, moved to upstate New York, is learning how to barbecue, and will soon open a roadside barbecue stand. That's a long way from serving the corporate outings and wedding receptions in downtown NYC.

I've discovered something about moving and transitions:

1.	Patience is important.
2.	Simple, everyday tasks take more energy. Things that were automatic aren't automatic anymore. Everything is going to take more thought - at least for awhile.
3.	Moving gives us the opportunity to put our things (and life) back together in a new way.
4.	God was there, God was on the road, and God is here.

Jacob, in Genesis 28, is on the run in the wilderness. God finds him and promises (:15) to be with him everywhere he goes. At the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew (28:20), Jesus promises us "I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age."

So even in the middle of the strangeness, the newness, the boxes half-emptied and still full, the school year that is partially on-line and in-person, God is with us.

I pray you will know that, believe that and experience that even when we are in the middle of challenging transitions: God is with us.

I pray, also, that you will share my sense of excitement about the opportunity we have as a church to put the pieces back together in a new way as we serve God, connect with people and seek to heal the hurt and injustice in the world. Today, I spent part of the day on-line learning about churches that now do much of their work for God on-line: reaching out to the world, connecting with people, offering resources that people need on-line. They are learning to do this even as they continue to offer in-person experiences for those who are hungry for worship, community, and learning. More and more congregations are reaching people they have never reached before, people who never would have thought of coming inside a church building, with the truth and love of God in Christ.

It's messy. It can be exhausting. You have to be patient with yourself and others as you learn new lessons. And yet in the middle of this transition we have the opportunity to experience the reality of the living God who goes with us AND the opportunity to put the pieces back in a new way.

See you Sunday on-line or in-person at 10 a.m. as we gather for worship and explore what God can do during times of transition. We invite you to remain after worship in the Fellowship Hall for an informal 30-45 minute talk-back session following the sermon.

In Christ and for Christ,
Pastor Mark

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Things to know:

•	Your staff is in the middle of exciting conversations about new and creative ways we can re-start small groups, Bible studies, etc.
•	On September 8th, our office will return to its regular hours, opening at 9 a.m.
•	Our plan is to move to two morning worship services on Sunday, September 27th
•	The Administrative Council meeting has been moved to August 17th at 6 p.m.
•	An on-line bulletin will be developed and should be available beginning August 9th.
•	We are pleased to announce that Ms. Pat Kobiela has rejoined our administrative/finance team part-time.
•	Thanks to all those who have participated in the "meet and greet" session. These sessions have been uniformly positive, and I will say more about what I have heard at a later date.
•	Remember to keep your eyes and soul open for the presence of God during this time of change and transition. Also, begin praying about what we might do to better reach people with God's love even during this difficult time.

 

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