New beginnings. It’s something that I’ve been reflecting on since applying for and being accepted into the D.Min. in Preaching program. New beginnings bring change. Already the program has brought change into my life with lots of extra reading and writing. It’s also brought some changes in how I experiment with sermon preparation and delivery. Last Sunday I “tried on” a new method of preparation that took me out of my comfort zone and which invited a different style of delivery. At coffee hour I wandered from table to table and grouping to grouping inviting comments on how the sermon was heard. That reflecting helped me to understand what parts of this new technique worked, what didn’t and where I need to concentrate on growing. Your comments were invaluable to me and I appreciate your honesty more than words can say. Over the next year you’ll have more opportunities to help me reflect on my work.
New beginnings. The season of Easter provides us with all kinds of stories about new beginnings and the changes they bring. A church that expands its boundaries, stretching the understanding of who’s in and who’s out. We also learn more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus; what it means to be a disciple. No longer could the apostles and the followers of Jesus rely on Jesus to do God’s work. Now they had to share in that work. The readings over this past season have helped us all to learn that we all have a part to play in sharing Jesus’s ministry and revealing God’s Kingdom.
New beginnings. They are all around us. Every day is a new day. Every day brings new opportunities to witness and share God’s love. Every day is a new beginning. Every single day!
Where are your new beginnings taking you?
• How do you see the Spirit of God at work in your new beginnings?
• What changes do your new beginnings bring?
June 9 we will be celebrating all kinds of new beginnings. We will welcome Lynne Ronthi as newly confirmed, we will celebrate our middle schoolers as they step into a new phase of life, and we will share again the new beginning that Pentecost was and is.
I invite you to reflect on your new beginnings. These questions are not the only questions you may find yourself answering. If you’re comfortable, why not share something about your new beginnings here.
New beginnings. They are a part of life. At times they are exciting. At times they are unsolicited and even unwanted. At times they are stressful. Always… ALWAYS… God is in the midst of our new beginnings. Where might our new beginnings be taking us?
Blessings,
Tracie+