One of my favorite movies of all time is “Fiddler on the Roof.” In the opening scene, the chorus and Tevye, the main character, sing about and proclaim “tradition” as the mainstay of their culture and lifestyle. Change! Transition! Unsettled! These are the buzzwords of our church culture and lifestyle right now and just another way to say that First Friends is on the move.
Transition teams are in place and functioning. Becky, our associate pastor, is already in transition as her new position with Houston Graduate School of Theology begins as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Jim, our pastor, will be on salary through June completing the pastoral year. Right now it’s all about movement; movement in leadership and movement forward in ministry for us here at First Friends. It’s the same for the Towne family. Questions abound and information will follow as available. Information about transition teams, processes, and where to go with questions you may have will be posted weekly on the bulletin board and inserted in the bulletin as needed.
I would like to offer one reminder and encouragement from 1 Peter for these days of transition. In verses 1 and 2, Peter wrote to believers scattered throughout northern Turkey. His main point was to remind his readers who were in transition to remember who was in control of their situations.
God had a plan for those dispersed believers. God has a plan for each of us, our church, and Jim and Becky during this time of transition. Peter also encourages those reading his letter to hold fast to the “Rock” of their salvation. In like manner, our Father will see us through change, transition and feelings of being unsettled.
Join me in praying much during this time of movement as we transition from the lifestyle and culture with which we have become so familiar toward something that feels so different. And remember—we are being directed by God.