Embracing Change

“In the beginning, God created . . .” It seemed only fitting, when the Vestry met for their retreat on December 3rd, that we began the day looking at the creation story in Genesis. Even though we’re wrapping up a calendar year, there’s certainly a lot of birth and newness and creation in the St. James air. It’s Advent, the first season in the new church year. We’ve recently entered a new stage in our transition process as we welcomed a new rector. Even the old projects that we put aside for the last 20 months seem new again as we begin to prioritize the challenges that must be faced to maintain our presence here on 8th and Wisconsin. And Mother Lisa brings new eyes and leadership to help us do just that. So as the Vestry pondered the familiar words in Genesis, it set the stage for us to talk about the strengths of St. James that we want to maintain, but also consider what we might do differently in the future—individually and collectively—to build up our Body of Christ and, therefore, our ability to act in our community.

While multiple subjects and activities were tackled throughout the day, we probably spent the most time on that one: how might we build up our Body of Christ here at St. James? What are the positive outcomes that might result in a larger community, and what are the risks or challenges? As we brainstormed and dreamed and shared, our list of positives far surpassed the negatives. More people, more programs, more sharing of service, more worship, more opportunities . . . it went on and on. But the fears and challenges existed too. Because while it feels like we’ve finally reached the point in our transition we have eagerly anticipated, it is still transition. And, realistically, our period of change, with its contrasting emotions of anticipation and trepidation, is far from over.

This realization brought to mind one of my favorite Bible passages, Isaiah 43: 16-19. It reads “This is what the Lord says—he who made a path through the mighty waters . . . do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” I think one of the reasons I appreciate these verses is because they address the always relevant topic of change, and they speak to me—no matter what my attitude about an impending alteration. When I’m excited by the change in front of me, these verses communicate the excitement of transition: things are happening, springing up even! And new life is flowing where before there was only barren desert and wasteland. That sounds beautiful and thrilling; I want to be a part of that! Except, sometimes, change is scary. And when I’m intimidated or resistant to upcoming change, these verses reassure my fears as well. They remind me that the same God who made a way for the Israelites in the desert, parting the river Jordan when death or enslavement seemed imminent, wants me to trust Him with this new development—whatever it is. He’s on my side, it’s in His control, and it will be okay.

As we enter this next era of building our parish community, Mother Lisa and the Vestry invite you to ponder and pray and plan with us. Reread the creation story and be reminded of God’s creativity and desire for new life. Embrace the joys and process the fears that come with change. Share your thoughts with our church leadership. Consider how God might be calling you to be a part of this “new thing”. And take heart in remembering how each segment of the creation story ends: “And God saw that it was good.”

Susan Wilson