Autumn has arrived, with all of its splendor, colorful falling leaves, brisk breeze, and cool evenings.  I simply love living in a place where we get to see the splendor of the changing seasons that remind us that change is good.  God is always doing something new and wants us to be part of it. 

 

We continue this fall in the gospel of Mark as we learn about this new kingdom that Jesus brings about and how life is vastly different when we place our belief and trust in him.  We continue to have much to learn about the way we are to live in this new kingdom.  The ways of the world often beckon to us to stay with our old ways, our traditions, and would have us believe that this new kingdom we are called into is not possible.  And so, we struggle with change, fearing what it might look like, worried that we will not be able to manage it, or that we do not have what it takes to make the new way work.  Jesus makes it clear that the pathway he offers us is not an easy one.  In fact, the hardest thing we will ever do is to follow Jesus in all aspects of our lives.  It takes courage, strength, trust, and HOPE!  Fortunately, these are all gifts we are freely given by the Holy Spirit so we can follow the path of the one who gave all for us. 

Just like our world is ever changing, so is our church community.  And so, we must faithfully adapt to these changes, keeping our heart aligned with Christ Jesus.  You may have already noticed the changes that have been happening at St. John’s as we navigate the changes that are impacting so many churches across America.  Increased costs, decreased engagement, and overall changes within our society have led us to make changes in our staffing, spending, and the overall care of our facility.  These have not been easy choices for your leadership to make.  But just as the changes of Autumn reveal God’s breathtaking beauty, we are hopeful that as we continue to change and adapt with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will see the beautiful transformation that only God can bring forth. 

As part of this season of change, we would like to hear from you.  What do you love about St. John’s?  What do you need to continue growing in your faith?  How are you being called to be part of this transformation?  We invite you to join one or more of our Town Hall sessions throughout the fall so that we can hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas (dates and times later in the newsletter). 

Autumn Blessings to all and may God grant you peace, joy, and love in this beautiful season of change.    

Blessings,

Pastor Karla

 

 

 

 

 

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings,

 Pastor Karla