September Sharings

First published in 1980, Transitions by William Bridges, was the first self-help book to explore the underlying and universal pattern of transition. It has been named one of the fifty most important self-help books of all time. This book was recommended to me by a couple of my colleagues in the Seattle Presbytery, and I have found it very helpful both personally and professionally.

Transitions is about how we navigate change. In part one, the author states: “The subject of this book is the difficult process of letting go of an old situation, of suffering the confusing nowhere of in-betweenness, and of launching forth again in a new situation…All transitions are composed of (1) an ending, (2) a neutral zone, and (3) a new beginning” (p.4).

I believe that since October of 2006, IPC has been moving through a transitional period, and that God has been using this time very creatively to clear space for something new. One critical area where I see this happening is worship. For at least three years, the leaders of our church have been discussing and praying about how we worship together and where God might be leading us. At the August 14 Session meeting, there was a deep sense of the movement of the Holy Spirit as we had a very candid conversation about our worship styles and what would be most helpful to our church family at this time. There was great enthusiasm to continue with one worship service at 10:00 am in the Fall. All three styles of music—traditional, blended, and contemporary--will be used as they have this summer. Our Christian Education hour will follow the service.

A single service draws us together as one worshipping community while opening the door to wonderful opportunities for an expanded Christian education program, particularly with adults. Tom, Sandy, and others will now be able to offer classes for adults each week. Change is challenging for most of us, and times of transition can make us a bit nervous. But they are also periods of creativity and excitement as we look forward to what will emerge as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

We worship a God who is always making things new and taking us to places where we have never been. I hope that in the days ahead you will pray for our leadership as we open a new chapter in the life of our church, affirming our Lord’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Faithfully,

Pastor Tom

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