Change is in the air

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever
Isaiah 40:8

As autumn gives way to winter and brown leaves litter the earth while the "grass withers", one knows that change is in the air, which too has suddenly turned rather cold! The theme for the month is quite appropriate indeed. Also, by the end of the month we will be in the season of Advent which heralds the beginning of another church year.

Speaking of another year, I completed one year as pastor of this congregation on 27th of October, and as we look back over these past twelve months we cannot help but notice a few changes in our congregational life. The diversity of our congregation has continued to grow and new skills and talents are being gifted to us! Some of our regular programmes have either given way to newer ones or have taken on a new meaning and focus. And of course the Rittersaal above the church is altogether a new place!

How has each of us responded to these changes? There's always a sense of apprehension when the old gives way to the new — something I've had to struggle with as I have come to terms with my new vocation and location here, and some of you have had to deal with, as you�ve coped with changing or losing jobs, moving home, saying goodbye to loved ones or moving into new relationships, but as the verse in Isaiah assures us, there�s something that remains constant and unchanging through it all — the word of our God shall stand forever! Jesus' words: Abide in me as I abide in you (John 15:4a) and I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20b) are the cornerstone of this blessed assurance.

With this assurance change can actually be quite exciting and full of promise and I believe we are on the threshold of something new and rewarding as I begin my second year with you. May each one of us take the time to reflect on what has passed, ponder on what is changing, and celebrate what lies ahead!