Dear friends,
The life of a church community involves a balance and a rhythm of continuity and change. At any given moment, we need both. Without change, we become stagnant. Without continuity, we lose our sense of who we are.
While we seek to balance familiarity and newness, we also recognize that there are times when one predominates. Sometimes we find ourselves in a stable place, with just a few new things happening. Other times, we choose or are confronted with major changes that compel us to let go of our comfortable ways. As we seek balance at any given moment, we also must be attentive to a larger rhythm over time, a movement between stability and newness.
In the last two years, we have paid attention to both rhythm and balance as we have made a major change with the merger of two congregations. For folks with roots at Grace Church, it may feel that change has dominated, even as we have worked together to continue some familiar practices. For folks with roots at Edwards Church, there has been more familiarity, even as we have made new friends, experienced the newness of an evening service and felt renewed energy for mission and caring for our planet.
Over the past few weeks, the rhythm has shifted to a new time of change. In early May, Shane announced his resignation, as he moves to Connecticut so his wife Shannon can take advantage of a career opportunity. As we prepare to say goodbye, I am aware of the gifts Shane has brought to our church―fresh ideas, powerful sermons, a gentle presence with our young people, connections with the wider church that have enriched our community. I will miss him.
That same week, there was a fire in our parsonage, which displaced a family that has been living there for ten years. We grieve with them the loss of three of their four cats, and we share their relief that all the humans made it out safely. We have offered support in many forms as they look for a new place to live. Their lives have been turned upside down, and we pray they will find a beautiful new home soon. Over the next few months, for our congregation as well, there will be disruption, as much of the inside of the house will need to be rebuilt.
Times of change are difficult, and they are also opportunities. For us, there is the opportunity to reflect on our staffing pattern and on our hopes and dreams for Faith Formation and for our new Seeds of Grace worship service. There is also an opportunity to decide how we want our parsonage to be used. Two teams, an Associate Pastor Position Fact-Finding Team and a Parsonage Exploration Team, are meeting to figure out how we can seize hold of these opportunities. Watch for more from them; they want to hear your thoughts.
In order for change to become opportunity, we need to feel secure. In the changes wrought by the parsonage fire, we have the security of excellent insurance, which will cover the cost of repair and the loss of income during the rebuilding. In relation to the changes that come with Shane’s resignation, we are putting together interim staffing to ensure we can continue the programs that are important to us. Dawn Sorensen has agreed to serve as our interim director of Christian Education. The Seeds of Grace Worship Team is in conversation with a gifted worship leader who may be able to work with us during this in-between time.
Our church has been through many times of change. Out of each, we have grown into a more vibrant, more faithful community. I trust that will be true this time as well.
Peace, Debbie