A New Thing

Isaiah 43
15 I am the LORD, your holy one, Israel’s creator, your king! 16 The LORD says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise;
they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. 18 Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. 19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.

One of our previous Annual Conference themes was “A New Thing.” While we have new themes every year, this one seems to keep resonating with me even today. I do believe we are on the edge of something wonderful, something new. Looking back over our four years together so far, we have done so much. Our facilities are improving, allowing us to serve more as the launching point for community ministry. We have added outreach and community connection points that change lives. We still have work to do, for we are still and continually moving forward, looking toward that new thing.

But we all need to work together. So many of us have abilities God gave us and passions that give us the drive to use them. What better way to use them than in the service of the world around us, in the name of God? I believe that is who we are supposed to be, and many days we get it right. But the world is still hurting, and where and who we are gives us a unique ability to do something about it.

So keep dreaming. (Who do we want to be?) Keep looking for where we can be in service to our community. (Who needs help?) Keep sharing the love of God that seeks us to be together. (Who is left out?) Let us do that new thing! I can’t wait!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian Siegle