Meditation from the Minister’s Study
Constancy and Change
I love to watch waves lap the shore. It is a remarkably steady process, even when the waves, the wind and the weather seem to be volatile. One wave crests as the one before it ebbs and the one behind it builds strength. And yet, the first wave, the one that seems spent, has not exhausted its power. Its pull affects the wave that will replace it every bit as much as does the push of the wave that comes next.
The wonder, for me, is that the ceaseless interdependence of each wave’s approach and retreat is not diminished by calm conditions nor interrupted by stormy seas. It just keeps happening. Sometimes it’s wild and noisy. Sometimes it’s so quiet that the water seems nearly still. But nothing is ever completely still. Even the smallest of ripples generates some kind of change. And huge swells, for all that they might make a mighty impression, are still subject to the rhythm of the ocean and contained by the shore’s core strength.
I love the ocean in all its varied splendor. I feel the same way about the Church – both the universal Body of Christ and the gathered fellowship of this congregation. As we at Second Congregational Church ride the swells and flows of our new life together, I am grateful for the steady constancy beneath the waves.
The constancy of care and concern for individuals, families, children and youth – even as we explore and experiment with the ways we may best minister with and to each member of our church family;
The constancy of commitment to upholding the foundational work of the church, through the boards and committee, outreach and volunteer initiatives, our remarkable music program and all who contribute to the meaningful worship and fellowship that strengthens our gathered church;
The constancy of coming to church and church events, even amidst the pauses and gaps that life can so often insert.
I am hoping that one of the events that brings us together will be the SCC Summit, planned for October 21. Using the format that worked so well a few years ago, we set aside a full Sunday morning (9am to 11:30) to engage one another in conversation and contemplation as, together, we seek to navigate the currents we face today.
So many good things are afloat in our church… and, it is true, there are important things still adrift. So be brave. And be adventuresome. As you come upon the waves of constancy and change in our church in the coming days, I encourage you to dive in! And if you should feel a little off balance by the seemingly shifting seas, let me offer this simple paraphrase of the encouraging 46th Psalm:
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in the face of change.
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
We need not feel anxious or afraid.
God is with us.
God will help us as new light dawns.
See you in church!
Pastor Karen