journeys-page

CHANGE-a word that creates frustration, fear, worry, anger, much planning and then relief, success and sometimes even joy. CHANGE is not something many of us look forward to and yet it is a part of life we can’t avoid. The changes in my life this past year have been abundant. These changes, since I became a widow, are not changes I would have looked forward to. They are also not changes that one can really prepare for. But, again, they cannot be avoided. One of the first changes is simply recognizing that I had become a widow, a word that puts one’s life in a different perspective. Since then, I have adjusted to many changes, some easy, but sometimes I went down kicking and screaming. I know that I am not alone while making these changes in life. Many of you in my church family here at Trinity have experienced these changes as well and you have aided me greatly as I have adjusted. God has provided me with great role models. And I thank you for your caring presence in my life. Having said all this about my personal change brings me to my next point, the CHANGE that is now taking place in our church. We have said our goodbyes to Kelly. We have let Anny know we are blessed that she gets to remain with us. And it is time to graciously anticipate the change that is unavoidable as our new minister arrives. Simple things like wearing our name tags will make this change a bit easier for her. Letting her know it is ok to ask us our names, multiple times if needed will facilitate the ease she may or may not feel. Not having expectations about how she conducts services or what her sermons are like will help us all navigate these changes with ease. I have always been a strong believer in the Methodist way-assigning ministers to congregations and moving them every 7 or so years. Whatever we believe, this change is not always easy and yet it is exciting. What gifts will Rev. Wegehaupt bring to share? What new ideas will she bring? What footprints will she make on our church life and on our personal lives as well? At this moment we have more questions than answers. That’s the exciting part, the discovery. There are bound to be changes. I pray that as a congregation we will make the changes with grace and acceptance. I pray that we can all choose to experience an open mind. I pray that as we travel down this road of change we will learn, grow and accept! Happy traveling to all!