Hello, Beloved friends,
I pray you are each well and held in the caring hands of God through these changing seasons of our lives. This prayer though is not just for today and the changes which will have to occur following this Sunday’s all-church vote, regardless of the outcome of ONA. Yes beloved, voting yes means advertising our love for all and voting negative means we must re-evaluate our “Mission, Policy, and even our “All are welcome statement.” Our world will change following this vote one way or another. This prayer though is also for your peace amongst a turbulent world which is trying – desperately – to find its normal, again. It is a peaceful prayer for our children as they finish their schooling and transition into the working world. It is a prayer for our elders who cannot physically or emotionally engage in community work as they once did, even though they want to do so. It is a prayer for everyone to find the peace of God amongst a world shifting and changing under our feet.
In this light, I am reminded of the words from the Bible:
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to break down and a time to build up;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek and a time to lose;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NRSV)
Words that were made famous once again in 1965 when the Byrd’s remade the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Words which remind us that amid the changing world we are called to turn to God. The ironic thing is this song always seemed as a rallying cry for the Baby Boomer Generation as well. I always imagined it as a song which that generation shared to speak of the rights of their generation to take over the leadership of our world. Whether this reality is true for any of you or not, that is how I saw this song and this passage.
God reminds us that there is a time for every season. There are changes in our world and each of us are called to step back and let new seasons, new generations, new people lead. It also means we are called to stand up and step forward to do the work and let others rest for they have carried us year after year. In all this truth, it means each of us must trust in God and turn to the faith we believe in our hearts to be the lessons of Jesus.
I pray through all this turmoil, we follow our beliefs and the true teachings of Christ which says, “All are welcome, no matter who you are or where you are on your journey.” You are “welcome” to belong not as we wish you to be but as God made you in this beautiful time of changing seasons.
With all God’s Love for however you come to our Creator, I pray you will turn to God – now and always.
Your pastor and teacher, Brian
Please consider and share your “calling” is in this Eastertide season. I pray Lent helped you find your calling – let us consider what this means as we build and rebuild our fellowship through the sharing of our voices. If you would like, text, call, or email me always to talk and discover ideas to help you live into your calling. As I am here to support you and your relationship with God wherever you are on the journey. My number is (207-350-9561) if you need anything or simply want to talk. Next week, my pastoral care hours are Mon. 9-4, Tues. 12-5, Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 10-2 to provide some time for visiting. Many blessings and Love to you all.