The 21st century is a time when change happens more quickly than ever before. The children of today will see more change than generations experienced in centuries past. We are challenged to respond to the change around us with faith rather than fear. We are called to be open to the new possibilities that change will offer, and to be creative in our ministry. I would like to give you two very real and concrete examples of our changing culture and some ways the church might respond.

During April we celebrated Stewardship of the earth and Earth Day. We did some outside clean-up, and our elementary fellowship group started working on a garden. At the same time we are more aware that the plastic water bottles that we stock in the church refrigerator are bad for the environment and possibly bad for us. It is really convenient to have sealed bottles of cold water in the refrigerator. You might remember the days of drinking only tap water. It wasn’t that long ago. We are challenged and called to respond to new information, and to make a statement through our actions. We are stewards of God’s creation, and we must use our resources wisely. Let’s lose the plastic water bottles and find other ways to quench our thirst – even if it means drinking tap water.

The other example is a little tougher. In the 1970’s many mainline churches in America developed a culture of ‘hugging’. It was a welcome relief from the often unemotional and serious religious atmosphere. It brought warmth and affirmation to many people and congregations. Unfortunately we have learned that when everybody is expected to ‘hug’ everybody else, there are those whose hugs became unwelcome touches. And at the same time it became more and more difficult to say ‘no’ to hugs in church. Today, if we want newcomers and long time members to feel welcome and safe, we need to curtail the hugging, to ask permission every time we are inclined to give anyone a hug, and to accept it when someone says ‘no’.

There are many more examples of our fast changing world. Many of you will receive and read this without any paper being used. And what changes will the rising costs of fuel for cars and heat have on our church and on our lives. We don’t know the answers yet, but we know that change keeps happening, and it is happening fast.

At the same time, we live in faith that God is with us through all of these changes. No matter how we drink our water, or express our affection, God is with us, calling us to be faithful disciples in the midst of change. Losing water bottles to help creation, or changing our habits of greeting one another to keep everyone safe are issues of discipleship. Let’s work
together – as a team – Together Embodying Active Ministry.

Peace,
Barbara