FROM MY HEART TO YOURS

Thoughts from Pastor Linda...

Change is inevitable - a necessary ingredient in the growth process. It can refresh our souls, revitalize our faith, stimulate our creativity and strengthen our resolve. Change can be life giving. Being a people of faith will always require an openness to change; we serve a living God, and change is a component of living life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

I can relate to change! I now have a Rev. at the beginning of my name and a PA zip code at the end of my address. Even though I'm an "old" ministry vet, I've felt a "new" range of emotions, as I experienced first-time, "first ordained call" ministry events and responsibilities. I've put new names to new faces ... and know I still have a few more to go. There have even been major changes in our new PA home since we moved. Thanks to my husband and son, with the help and guidance of Carpenter Bill, the old unfinished basement is now my new home office. When I chose to accept God's call in my life, I knew it would include change.

Change is inevitable ... but all change is not life-giving. Change that occurs as a result of trauma or misconduct can affect what we believe and how we relate to each other. Unexpected endings, followed by insufficient intervention, are confusing ... and may feel like betrayal. As we have begun the process of getting to know each other, I have witnessed your love for God and each other, your desire to know God's Word, and your heart for this church. Some of you have trusted enough to share your recent history with me. I am beginning to understand that you have been through significant change as well ... change you did not choose ... change that resulted from others' choices ... change as a consequence of loss. I have been listening, praying for God's discernment and timing for my response.

Within a short period of time, Middle's had major changes in pastoral leader- ship. One call ended abruptly, with inadequate closure. Your most recent pastors had significantly different leadership skills, worship style preferences and theological perspectives, sometimes put into practice prior to building any consensus, without explanation. Concerns and questions may have been inadequately ad- dressed. You experienced a rapid gain in attendance and membership, followed by a significant exodus. Last year also brought significant personal loss. Family and friends, many beloved members, went home to the Lord within a very short time; insufficient pastoral support may have deepened some wounds. My heart aches for your recent heartache!

Pastors are called to shepherd their sheep ... to respond in times of crisis, to comfort in seasons of grief and to rejoice in milestone moments. I won't always do that perfectly; no pastor is perfect. But I promise to join with you in a ministry of pastoral care, encouragement and compassion. Jesus says in John 13:35: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Let me know if someone needs a visit. ..

Pastors are called to lead ... I believe biblical leadership is not "Lone Ranger" leadership. It doesn't occur in a vacuum and requires the input of the whole body of Christ to be effective. I will not please everyone; my call is to offer a sacrifice pleasing to God. But I will listen to all suggestions that are not anonymous. If it matters enough to make a suggestion, you must be invested enough to at least release your name. Trust me enough to listen, even if I don't agree.

Pastors are called to be instruments of change and spiritual renewal; we are all called to be clay in the Potter's hands. But change must be validated by agreement in prayer, enacted via shared leadership. Change that hasn't cooked long enough is tough and hard to digest! Change is always hard, but I promise to take the time to cast every vision, and give you the time to understand it.

"The chief end of man (and woman) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." That's why we gather together to praise God in worship ... and why worship is often a controversial subject. I believe it is time to prepare for a new worship service. The Maundy Thursday worship service was a powerful experience for many ... a good example of worship that reaches out to those who cannot relate to our traditional Sunday morning service.

Do not let the any trauma from the past continue to consume your energy, diminish your passion, or interfere with your ability to carry out God's unique call for Middle. I will work to help you heal the past; I need you to help me discern God's preferred future for Middle PC.

In Christ,