I haven’t taken an out-of-town travel vacation in years. I preferred spending time with my dad during his last years whenever possible. Since his death I have planned two trips that got cancelled because of covid. Last week, I took some time away from church but stayed home. I get many things done during these breaks, and I reset my “exhaustion” level. It’s not the same as travelling and seeing new things. But it is quite important time to restore.
Many of us need a break. This last two years have been unbelievably difficult. We have faced and still face circumstances the world has never seen before. We know all about the multitude of stressors. What we don’t know is when or how we will emerge from this time. People keep talking about “the new normal” and saying we will have to “learn to live with it.” But we don’t know what that means. It does not mean going back to the way things were or ignoring the fact that so much has changed – that there are very real risks and challenges. It does mean finding a way to continue what we value. It means looking for new ways to live the love of God in the world.
I spend much of my time these days trying to imagine what the “new” will look like – for myself, for this congregation, for the church universal, for the world. I have invited you into that imaging for this congregation. Where is God calling us? How shall we serve? What will that look like? The future will emerge out of your imagination and God’s grace. Only you can shape the direction of this congregation. Honestly, I can not do it. You must. YOU collectively must move this congregation forward into God’s vision for the future. This church depends on your commitment, your ideas, your gifts shared and your love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.