“And he who was seated on the throne said,
‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Rev. 21:5
Our world is changing. There is change all around us. Some changes are positive, some are negative, some just are. Change causes conflict, inspires new ideas, and brings adaptation. We’re learning all the time how to deal with change, in our culture and society, and in our churches. If anything, the past year has shown us we are all in need. May this be a season for our world to know that we are all interconnected and to bring a greater awareness of the presence of our Creator.
Here at Reformation, one the most exciting changes is a return to in-person worship! It’s been wonderful to see the faces of old friends and new members, visitors, children and adults at worship! We have taken advantage of the tools of our time: social media, phone calls, text messages, and mailed postcards to let folks know that they can reserve a seat in worship. We continue to monitor local information from the Southern Nevada Health District, wear masks, and take precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible. We look forward to sharing communion on Easter Sunday, and prayerfully anticipate a return to snacks, coffee, potlucks and community meals in the months to come.
Holy Week will soon be here, and our worship will be adapted to our current context. We will provide a live-streamed Maundy Thursday and pre-recorded Good Friday worship (I am producing this for the Grand Canyon Synod with readings and music from churches from all around our conference), with in person worship at 7:30am Easter Sunday and live as well as online at 9am. Our last midweek Lenten worship will be online on 3/31.
Our community is always changing, and populated with neighbors of varying faith traditions and those unaffiliated as well. I’ve really enjoyed our discussions around the book “The World is About to Turn” and Monday evening 3/22 we will welcome one of the authors, Rev. Rick Rouse to talk with us. Our next book study will be on “Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith” and will begin April 19. Our Sunday Bible study on King David, entitled “God of Thrones” has been enlightening and enjoyable. We will follow that up with a study on Creation Care, just after Earth Day.
Having faith is a great help when facing change. Our congregation and our extended community will continue to successfully navigate the changes around us by trusting in the one who promises to make all things new. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but we hold onto timeless truth, the witness of the ages, and the good news of new life in Christ Jesus. May we also hold onto one another in these difficult times. There is life ahead. Thank you for the leadership, generosity, and guidance you give.
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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