Pastoral Message

The Seasons show us -repeatedly- that change is a regular part of life.  Just recently, I was riding in a car with others, and someone said something about appreciating the budding trees.  Of course, I broke into vs 2 of UMH #572 “Pass It On” - What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding; the birds begin to sing, and the flowers start blooming.  That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it; you want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.  The budding of the trees also brings to my mind UMH #707 “Hymn of Promise” - In the bulb, there is a flower, in the seed an apple tree, in cocoons a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter, there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

As Alplaus prepares for change and begins to intentionally plan its future (see the news from the Trustees about the parsonage and discussion after worship 5/19), let us remember that change can make room for possibilities that God brings into our lives.  Let us discuss and work faithfully not for ourselves or our congregation but remember that it is the love of God that makes us, draws us together, and that God is the recipient of our worship.  We work to be God’s love at work in the world.  As we prayerfully consider our next steps, may we be guided by the Spirit to build the Kingdom of God,

Blessings!

Pastor Kristi