“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. “
– Isaiah 43:18-19
Change is hard. Often when we face a change in our lives we focus on what we are losing, experiencing a kind of death in the process. We don’t know what is coming and the fear of the unknown makes us uncomfortable, and in some cases causes anxiety. Even when we know the change is for the best or unavoidable, we still feel anxious about letting go and entering something new.
Yet, change isn’t something new. Humanity has been experiencing change since creation. Each day brought something newly created into what already was and changed what it would be forever. Our faith is built on a trust that even with change, we will be ok; God will be with us to guide us into something new. Isaiah tried to help the Israelites understand this concept by suggesting that instead of focusing on what was being lost, or left behind, or had been what they usually experienced, they should start to look around at the new thing beginning among them. The same God who makes a way in the wilderness and creates rivers in the desert, was with them to watch over them in the midst of this new thing.
God didn’t stop with the Israelites. Holy week and Easter are all about change as well. God changed the way that humanity would be able to be in relationship with its Heavenly Creator by having Jesus do something new – teach, heal, comfort, suffer, die and be RESURRECTED! Through the resurrection God did a new thing by tearing apart the veil between heaven and earth which separated creation from the Creator. He created a new way to be in relationship – one on one.
We are experiencing a new thing within our congregation. New ministries are emerging and a new pastor has been brought into our community. I want to say thank you for your wonderful welcome and the support you have already shown me and my family. I have perceived this new thing God is springing forth. I am excited to be a part of a new era at Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church and look forward to see what will do with and through us as serve in ministry together.
- In Christ's Service,
Pastor Beth
– Isaiah 43:18-19
Change is hard. Often when we face a change in our lives we focus on what we are losing, experiencing a kind of death in the process. We don’t know what is coming and the fear of the unknown makes us uncomfortable, and in some cases causes anxiety. Even when we know the change is for the best or unavoidable, we still feel anxious about letting go and entering something new.
Yet, change isn’t something new. Humanity has been experiencing change since creation. Each day brought something newly created into what already was and changed what it would be forever. Our faith is built on a trust that even with change, we will be ok; God will be with us to guide us into something new. Isaiah tried to help the Israelites understand this concept by suggesting that instead of focusing on what was being lost, or left behind, or had been what they usually experienced, they should start to look around at the new thing beginning among them. The same God who makes a way in the wilderness and creates rivers in the desert, was with them to watch over them in the midst of this new thing.
God didn’t stop with the Israelites. Holy week and Easter are all about change as well. God changed the way that humanity would be able to be in relationship with its Heavenly Creator by having Jesus do something new – teach, heal, comfort, suffer, die and be RESURRECTED! Through the resurrection God did a new thing by tearing apart the veil between heaven and earth which separated creation from the Creator. He created a new way to be in relationship – one on one.
We are experiencing a new thing within our congregation. New ministries are emerging and a new pastor has been brought into our community. I want to say thank you for your wonderful welcome and the support you have already shown me and my family. I have perceived this new thing God is springing forth. I am excited to be a part of a new era at Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church and look forward to see what will do with and through us as serve in ministry together.
- In Christ's Service,
Pastor Beth