Last Sunday we thought about how the Israelites marked their transition into the promised land with a memorial of stones. It was designed to remind them how far they'd come and to prompt the question by later generations of how God had brought them there. And the theme of transition resonated!
As a church family it has been and still is a time of transition. We reflected that we now have the chance to share with Outreach Radio from time to time, and of how we have some friends who have joined us on Zoom recently. Doing church on Zoom has been a change for all of us and one that we’re delighted to keep – and it’s meant some changes in our service style. Some of us have joined to explore something more about who this God is – another sort of transition in faith.
Others of you have recently moved to the area – some from other counties but for a number of you it’s been from other countries. We’re thrilled you’re with us and we realise that this is a time of change. We’re so pleased to welcome friends from chandlers Ford URC – but we know there’s pain in your transition as you have made the brave decision to close that church and find new church families.
And those of us who’ve been at St Francis for a while? Well, it’s a time of change for us too. The service style’s a bit different, we’re still wearing masks, it’s not just like it used to be. Some of you were here when you first moved into this new church building 30 years ago and you’re still here! We’re so glad we have you to remind us of the history of this church and to guide us.
Transition is tiring! We do well to acknowledge the changes. Maybe some of us need to mark the transition as the Israelites did – maybe not with stones but in other ways. If you’re growing in faith, have you been baptised and confirmed? These are great ways to mark where we are in our journey with God. Maybe to transfer membership? There’s no pressure but marking moments can help us to know our new place. Maybe to move into serving in a new way. Mark the transition – let me know how you’d like to do that.
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