As spring turns into summer, we see the changes in the air. Trees that were barren a month or so ago are now full of leaves. The grass needs mowing and the flowers are in bloom. Heralding in summer, construction, and allergy season. Change is everywhere we look. There is no escaping the changes that come while the drum of life beats on. This newsletter is my farewell to a congregation that has blessed me greatly over the past year. My life is seeing a change as I go out to western North Dakota to begin serving as a called and ordained pastor. Western North Dakota is a place I never thought I would live, but here I am. I am no longer a student but a full-time pastor. Changes abound.
There are a lot of changes happening at St. Paul’s as well. We have a new administrative assistant. It was sad to see Rachel leave, she will be missed. At the same time, I am excited to see how Joanna uses her own talents and gifts in this position. Jeremy is on the cusp of leaving to follow God’s leading in his own life. I am sure that many of you are sad to see him go. He had been a faithful congregation member for many years before becoming the associate pastor and has blessed many of you as pastor. Many of you may not know St. Paul’s without him. Yet, that is something that will change. St. Paul’s looks different than it did a year ago and looks different now than it will next June. Change comes and goes.
I think also of High school and college seniors. They have finished their schooling and are beginning to take the first steps towards their next chapter in life. For some, they have never been away from home for longer than a week or two. While others are contemplating jobs and how to best move forward with their lives. Parents are faced with the challenges that come with a child leaving the home. My mother was shocked by how much she saved on food after I went off to college. Change is inevitable.
Change isn’t always easy. The change of living without a loved one is hard. The loss of a job creates anxiety and fear. The loss of health does the same. They change your life for the worse. Some good could come from the change, you could get a better job for example, but it is hard to see that good when the change is happening or is fresh. Change is scary.
I am thankful that in a life that is filled with changes, we have a God who does not change. Hebrews 13:8 declares that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. God has promised to watch over each of us. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. We give glory and honor to God in the good changes as we see how He works in our lives. We should give glory and honor to God in the face of bad or difficult changes because He has promised that He works all things for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. God’s love doesn’t change. Christ’s death on the cross for you doesn’t change. We can lean on God throughout the changes of life for a simple reason. God doesn’t change.
In Christ,
Pastor J. Scott Pierson
View the June 2023 Newsletter here.