June 2025 | Seasons & Change

My 26-year-old son, Joshua, declares that Ecclesiastes is his  favorite book in the entire Bible, saying that it contains deep insights and rules for life. Indeed, it does. As I read from Ecclesiastes 3 this morning, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”, my heart was moved. I was struck by how deeply it speaks into seasons of transition—of joy and sorrow, holding on and letting go, uncertainty and renewal. For me, and I suspect for most of you, life has held experiences that were wonderful and joy-filled. It has  also held experiences of deep pain, grieving, and loss. In all of it, two things remain consistent, change...and Almighty God.
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Change in and of itself makes something inconsistent, yet surely , change is something that we can expect to happen, whether we like it and want it or not. Change is consistently there. In my life, in this past year, and even just in this past week, I have experienced much change. Some have been  exciting, some mundane, and some painful and tragic. I am thankful that in all times, in every circumstance, in every change, our God remains the same. God is loving, kind, and gracious. God is with us in good times and bad. In every season, with every change, God is there. God’s presence fills us and upholds us, giving us strength when we are weak, hope when we are troubled, and grace for every new beginning. God’s joy permeates our lives, knowing that God loves us, cares for us, and calls us by name. God is unchanging.

We now find ourselves coming together soon, with a new season for Christ First UMC and for me as your new pastor. Change for all of us can be unsettling, and I want to acknowledge that for all of us. But I know and trust that God is with us, and will continue to be with us, through it all—all the circumstances, all the emotions, all of the uncertainty that comes with change. I am praying with hope and joy in this change, and anticipating the Godly possibilities that this change may bring for us all.  Sometimes  change can be exciting—a fresh start, a new chapter, and I believe this is the season before us now.

I am honored to step into this new season with you and become a part of the church family at Christ First. I’m eager to get to know all of you, to hear how God has been moving in your lives, and how God has cared for you in every change. I want to learn how God has lifted you up, given peace and comfort, joy and excitement. I am eager to hear your faith stories, to learn more about you. I want to hear about each of you individually, and I also want to hear the stories of the faith community, of the surrounding community, of the things on your heart and in your mind.

This summer I am looking forward to getting to know you—whether it’s during coffee hour after worship, or a visit at your home, or we meet at the church, or a local coffee shop (though I don’t know where any are, so I will need help with that!).

As we Begin this journey together, I invite you to consider these three questions—and perhaps even bring your thoughts with you when we have a chance to talk.

1. What are you hoping for in this new season together—and why?
2. What are you feeling cautious about—and what has shaped that?
3. What do you believe God is calling us to be and do as a congregation? What has God set on your heart?

Whatever this new season brings, I believe God will meet us in it. And I look forward to discovering, with you, what God is doing next, and boldly going where God leads.
 
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Sherry