Recently, we had the Bible text of Jesus stilling the storm, from Mark, as a lectionary Gospel reading. Jesus and the Disciples were making a change of location in the 4th chapter of Mark. Jesus said to the disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And so they did.It was a transition from one place to another. Who knew when they set out what would transpire? It became dark, and instead of the water remaining calm, a storm came up. The boat was being swamped, and the disciples were afraid for their lives. They thought they were going to die, and that Jesus did not even care about them! He calmly lay sleep in the bottom of the boat. It must have been loud, and unstable, and at least wet, if not wet and cold….who could sleep through that???
Norway Grove is going across to the other side. We were previously in one location, and now we are in another. Dynamics of the congregation are changing, and I think in some very positive and good ways. There is a danger, however, that some of the signs of change can look a lot like signs of past storms, but I want to assure you that now is a different time and place from any experience that we have had before.Council is working very diligently to get more information out to you as to the inner workings of what leadership is doing to promote the wellbeing of the congregation. Jesus said, “Peace, be still” to the winds, and they have obeyed him. Calmness and forward progression is what was are striving for. People working to discern where God is calling them to serve now in the congregation, and how all of these changes work towards the Glory of God.There are loads of good things happening at Norway Grove. Life is taking on new definition. People are claiming their God given ministry in new ways, in the here and now, in perhaps a new place across the Sea of Galilee. Giftedness has been considered individually, family situations, life responsibilities, God’s timing, and the needs of the congregation. It is exciting!!! For instance, just to let you know of some of the shifting and transitions that are taking place: Tom Hewuse is moving from working as Confirmation Superintendent, to working with High School Youth. Tom Kreis and Troy Janisch are taking over Confirmation duties, while still having a hand in King’s Kids, (there is room for someone to have a leadership role with King’s Kids for this year….if you are hearing God nudge you to be more active with the leadership of this program). Veronica Eicher has announced that this is her final year as Sunday School Superintendent. She would love to have someone shadow her for this year, and become Sunday School Superintendent next year. God calls us to move and transition all the time. Veronica has served the Sunday School faithfully for many years, and we thank her for that. Now, with being involved with training from the Lay School, Veronica is discovering a new direction of Mission and Outreach, that will benefit her giftedness and the needs of the congregation, as she leans into promoting Social Justice Issues to focus on in the Congregation. Steve Eicher is also changing his focus. We thank him for serving as Property Chair for who knows how long??? Now he will focus his energy elsewhere, or perhaps just take time to enjoy life more and breathe. Working with the band, and sound, and helping out in ways that allow him additional flexibility as his life flows on, is a good thing. We know that we can still call on Steve for just about anything, and he will give it a try. We are searching for just the right person to serve this large responsibility of property chair on behalf of the congregation. Is it you???
Other ways to transition and grow come as opportunities to participate in growth activities in the congregation. On Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30, you can stop by the Church for the Dare to Dream Class. On Thursday mornings, from 8:30-10:00, “Bad Girls of the Bible” are going to be learned about. This class will run from July 2nd-September 17th. Both of these classes are open to anyone in the congregation will to participate in one, or all of the class sessions.
If you are looking for a hands on activity…..working with the Grape Harvest Festival is the place for you….contact me, if you want to work in any aspect of this event to be held on Sunday, September 27th, from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. There will be a Silent Auction, games for the kids, food, entertainment, fun, baked goods and a preserve contest, grape wreath making….grape jelly making…..It will be fun, and productive for the congregation and the community.Instead of panicking when the wind picks up in a new location, let’s work together, calling on God to see us through every storm, and turning uncertain times and episodes into times of great harvest, of bringing God’s Kingdom into wonderful fruition.
God’s Blessings and peace go out to you!
Pastor Kathy
