Everything changes.
Though the desert landscape provides a much slower version of this lesson than its more temperate counterparts, we can still feel the steady roll into the fall season in our midst.
How we encounter and respond to endings, liminality, and new beginnings, however, is what truly defines us.
For those who have not heard this story, I have a much longer tie to our congregation than many might realize: Many years ago I met a pastor who told me that she was ministering with a church that had a very unusual story. Three churches had faced their own mortaility and found that life together would provide an opportunity for resurrection - and I was fascinated by such bold pursuit of Christ's ministry. At a time when so many of our churches are choosing to close rather than accept the possibility of new life in uncommon ways, here was a family of faith that was following the rocky, but sure path forward God had provided.
Fast forward around seven or eight years and in the midst of a search for a new call, this congregation from El Paso reaches out. The story their resume tells is familiar. And thanks to the wonders of social media, I quickly confirmed that this was her church from all those years before. Quickly it became clear that God was leading me and my family west, to a place full of remarkable possibility.
Twelve years after its inception, our family of faith at Grace Presbyterian continues to seek who God is calling us to be in the world today. How grace really does change everything. What a joy to join such a place at such a time as this.
In a few weeks, we will have our ritual that solidifies our relationship for the future. Much like a wedding, the installation of a new called pastor offers the opportunity to celebrate not only all we have each been individually, but also who we will be together. It is a chance like so few others in the life of the church to rejoice at the wonder of how God has been with us and continues to guide us.
All of this to say that we hope you will join us on Sunday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. as we look for
ward to all that God has in store.
Blessings,
Rev. Janie
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