Popular wisdom tells us that the only thing in this world that is constant is change. As we begin this new school year there are some new faces around here and some old faces that are missing. The biggest change is Pastor Linda's new call to Good Shepherd in Concord. This is a full time position in Youth and Family that will provide a lot of new and exciting ministry opportunities for her. We all wish her good fortune and Godspeed in her new call.

A plaque that my daughter bought for me when I started in ministry says that whenever God closes a door he opens a window. The new light that is shining in our congregation is Scott Budlong, a first year seminary student from PLTS who has been hired as a part time youth director. Many of the youth got a chance to meet him at the pool party a the end of August and it looks like there is a lot of fun and faith building in store for the next couple of years.

Change, though it is uncomfortable for most of us is a hallmark of Jesus' ministry. Paul makes it clear that change or transformation is a big part of following Jesus as well. He admonishes us saying: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

Paul makes it clear that if we are truly following Christ, then change, within our community, and ourselves is inevitable. That doesn't make saying good-bye or dealing with a difficult situation any easier to do.

As followers of Jesus though there is a constant that runs throughout the shifts and changes of our lives. The author of Hebrews expresses it this way: "We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." That constant hope is Jesus himself" (Hebrews 6:19) The essence of Christianity is anchoring our lives in Jesus. As we do that we begin to change until we are transformed into his image. As we go through this time of change in our congregation we need to trust in the assurance that St. Paul gives us in Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

Change always brings opportunity with it and the leadership at RLC is in a good position to take advantage of the changes happening now. We have already started a congregational assessment that will help us to set new directions for our congregation. The assessment studies eight factors of congregational life. These are Empowering Leadership, Gift Oriented Ministry, Passionate Spirituality, Functional Structures, Inspiring Worship, Holistic Small Groups, Need Oriented Evangelism and Loving Relationships. This assessment will help us to study our staffing needs and help us set priorities for our church. As we go through this process of assessment we will be consulting with the synod to help us get a broad forward-looking perspective.

Change is indeed a constant, but we are called by God to be a people of God. Our hope is planted firmly in Jesus and we have a loving, supportive community of faith as a result. Even as we are grieved as Linda leaves, we know that she is going to an exciting new call and that God has something just as exciting in store for us as well. As we enter into this next period in the life of our congregation it is important to remember to pray. We need to pray God speed and blessing upon Pastor Linda in her new call, and we need to pray for God's guidance and direction for our congregation. Change means new challenges, but we know that the Holy Spirit of God is with us as we work our way forward inviting our community, growing together in faith and serving God where we are called.

Pastor Jim Bliss