New Beginnings
Posted on Jul 17, 2019 by
Yes, it is true, I have resigned my call here at Salem, and on September 1, I will begin a new call as Bishop’s Associate of the Central States Synod.
This past Sunday, you all were so kind with your words of support, and for that I am truly thankful, but in our conversations, I also sensed a genuine concern for Salem. I heard words like, “What are we going to do?” and “It just won’t t be the same.” I agree, it won’t be the same here after I leave, but I honestly believe that is a good thing. Things will be different, but I pray it will be a good different.
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author writes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (3:1-8).
The author wants us to realize that no matter what is happening in our lives, this is the time for it, and if we can embrace God’s presence in this time, then all will go well. I realize this is somewhat of an oversimplification of this text, but the point is that this is the right time for the major change we are all about to embark in. Will it be easy? Change is never easy. Will this change cause some discomfort? Yes, it definitely will. But, in the end, this change has the potential to bring about great joy if we can only take time to listen to God’s call for our lives.
Jill and I are excited for this new call and the unknown opportunities that the Holy Spirit has in store for us over the next six years, but we are also very excited for Salem, because we also believe that the Holy Spirit has great things in store for Salem. So, get ready for some new beginnings, because for everything there is a time, and now it is time for new beginnings!
Shalom, Pr. Dave