It is said that change is the only thing certain in life. In the midst of walking with numerous families through changes this last few weeks has got me thinking about how tiring change can be. While I am sure the shear volume of funeral and wedding services I have had over the last few weeks, my vacation plans changing when my in-laws decided they are coming to visit, looking towards September when Reid starts grade 1 and the pandemic roller-coaster we have lived on for so long have not helped my situation, this week I have been tired and longing for stability.
When I think about our congregation over the last 6 years we have faced change after change. I think this has also made us tired and longing for stability too. Much like the Israelites wandering the desert wishing for the fleshpots, we find ourselves expressing this desire for stability as wanting to going back to the way things were. Unfortunately, like the old saying goes “you can never step in the same river twice.” But maybe the fact you can’t step in the same river twice is actually a good thing, because it means that both you and the river have changed and are given new possibilities and opportunities.
So how do we deal with an ever-changing world? The book of Matthew 7:24-27 gives us insight:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”
In this ever-changing world we can choose to build our foundation on solid stone, and in doing so God will provide the stability we need and crave. When we get tired, remember Jesus said “come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” In seminary, one of my professors had said that spending 30 minutes with God at the beginning of your day, makes a difference, especially when you feel like you don’t have the time!
I think this advice would serve us well as we are challenged by all the change around us, and when we crave stability. Spending even 5 minutes with God in the morning makes a difference and helps us feel more secure and energized to face this unstable world.
Augustine said singing is praying twice. So, this week let us pray in the words of the hymn Eternal, Unchanging, We Sing..
Eternal, Unchanging, we sing to your praise:
your mercies are endless, and righteous your ways;
your servants proclaim the renown of your name
who rules over all and is ever the same.
Again we rejoice in the world you have made,
your mighty creation in beauty arrayed,
we thank you for life, and we praise you for joy,
for love and for hope that no power can destroy.
We praise you for Jesus, our Master and Lord,
the might of his Spirit, the truth of his word,
his comfort in sorrow, his patience in pain,
the faith sure and steadfast that Jesus shall reign. Amen.
- Worship announcements
- Church office hours
- Summer Cooling station
- Pastoral Care Team
- Board Meeting
1 Downtown United Summer Services
The church is not closed, we are just worshiping at Wilmot United for the month of August. The service begins at 10:30 am.
We are reminded that they are SCENT free. As part of making sure that everyone still feels comfortable, their COVID Committee has decided that when coming to worship expectations will be:
-Sanitize your hands when you enter
-Masks are required
-Congregational singing is allowed (which is new for Wilmot)
-Socially distanced seating is continued
You may also access the service from the safety of your own home through our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/wilmotunitedchurch or later through the Wilmot Website http://www.wilmotuc.nb.ca.
2 Interim Church Office Hours:
August office hours are:
Monday to Thursday inclusive from 10 am -2 pm.
3. A “dry run” for the cooling station will happen August 11th from 12:30-5pm in the shady area adjacent to the Public Library. This is one way our faith community can positively impact our community. If you are interested in finding out more and volunteering, come by during this season to learn what will happen, see the arrangement and if you are feeling called sign up to volunteer. The cooling station is a joint project with public health, downtown clinic, city of Fredericton and churches across the city! They will also be looking for donations of snacks.
4 Pastoral support team – Training and ongoing connection will be part of this group. So is there someone who you have found to be a big support in your life, someone in the congregation you feel listens well and can hold things in confidence? Are you the type of person who would be interested in supporting others by listening to their stories and encouraging them? If you answered yes, this might be the place for you to serve in God’s church.
5 Board Meeting
This Sunday after worship the Board will be meeting. If you are chair of a committee please provide update to your board representative. All members of the congregation are invited to pray for our leaders as they listen for God’s call to St. Paul’s.