I remember my first Pastor’s Corner at Algiers UMC. The title was “Change, just everywhere!” I believe if I had realized the changes we did experience, I would have changed the title! Quoting from July 2006, “I know God has things all planned out for each of us and we have to be faithful, prayerful, and discern the direction God has chosen for us.” I still believe this. I assure you my faith in God and you has increased. My prayer life is more committed to God and clarity is on the horizon.

In mid-June, Donna and I will celebrate our first year anniversary with you.  It has been an amazing year and we thank each of you for your faithfulness, your support, your spirit, and your love.  Our church is alive with Christ centered ministries and I celebrate everything you have done and will do in years to come.  You are a blessing to serve.  You are a church with an old history that is faithfully pressing forward in history.  It is apparent you believe in God’s plan. 

I realize that the change has not been easy, as nothing good is ever easy.  I have to depend upon Jesus Christ to assist me, every moment, and I realize many of you also depend on Christ.  Without Jesus Christ carrying us along the way, we would surely fail.  However, we are Spirit centered, we are praying, and we are moving forward, even with change, even after Katrina. 

Katrina, just mentioning one thing, has caused unwanted change, yet God continues to reign.  When I see financial concerns in the church, I lift those concerns up to the Lord.  I have assurance that our church will continue to grow and those present will continue supporting the church’s ministries with their gifts and talents. 

When I see attendance not growing as fast as I hoped, I lift that concern up to the Lord.  I am reminded to count our blessings and thank God for them.  We have a beautiful church, and a wonderful, gifted, spirit-filled congregation that welcomes everyone.  We have ministries that are building relations, spreading the kingdom, and the Lord assures me to continue pressing forward, do not sway from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Lord will grace our perseverance.

When I see the need for volunteers, I cast that need upon the Lord.  I receive comforting words to continue teaching, preaching, and loving.  I know God will teach us the practice of living in God’s presence, seeing all life in relation to God.  I know God will send the hands needed. 

So it is and will be.  I give thanks to God and to you.  I pray I get to know more about you and your family this year.  I pray our finances improve, our attendance grows, and more people get involved in our faith community.  I pray our  worship services, Sunday school classes, youth group, after school special, the STAIR program, TAP, JOY, Mother’s Day Out, and WOW continue to touch lives and open more up to the abundant grace of our Lord.

Thank you for allowing Donna and I to be part of your worshipping and serving faith family.  I know change is just everywhere, but isn’t it great.  We are alive!

My love and prayers are for all of you.