"Transitions"

            This time of year is full of transitions. Most common are graduations and weddings. Moving companies will tell you that this is their busiest time of year. So, watch for moving vans in your neighborhood for the opportunity to practice radical hospitality. More people change jobs in this season than any other.

            We just completed our session of Annual Conference in Indianapolis and witnessed many transitions. We remembered the lives of deceased pastors and their spouses from the last year. Those pastors who are retiring this year were lifted up and their service celebrated. We rejoiced with those being newly commissioned and ordained. Pastoral appointments were given and received, representing the beginning of a new "appointment year"-the continuation of ministry in the same setting for some and a transition to a new ministry setting for others.

            The District Center is experiencing transition, too. Our Associate DS of two years, Rev. Sandy Cooper, is moving to Seymour. We will miss her careful and caring work with pastors, congregations, and those entering ministry. Our transition also gives us the opportunity to welcome two pastors to the office of Associate DS. Rev. Doug Finney will be serving the Salem UMC and the district. We will benefit from his long pastoral experience and training as a Fruitful Congregation Journey facilitator. Rev. Billy Craddock graciously agreed to serve the district from retired status. He brings business experience, excellence in pastoral ministry, and a heart for our mission.

            As I considered these seasonal and specific transitions, it occurred to me that our God is a God of transitions. God takes us from slavery to the Promised Land, from alienation to salvation and on to Christ-like life and witness. God certainly accepts us as we are, but is not content to leave us that way. So, if we continue to walk with the Lord, then we will continue to mature, grow, change and transition in the faith. I'm grateful that our God is "making all things new" (Rev. 21:5).

If we walk with God, we will change.

            But in case all the change and transition make you a little dizzy, remember the constant. Consider the anchor of our lives. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  

            The Lord Jesus, who called you to Himself in love is always the same. The Lord Jesus who saved us from lives of sin and loneliness is always the same and always saves. The Lord Jesus who leads us in our lives of discipleship will always lead us with love for us and our best interest at heart. The Lord Jesus who walks with us in companionship every day will always care for us the same regardless the challenges we face.

            So, walk with the Lord Jesus and cling to the Lord Jesus in all of life's transitions. He's the pioneer and goal of our faith. Go with Him in every transition. He's our Savior, Lord, and Friend now and forever.

Go in peace.  Go with God.  And be well.

Shalom,

Charles D. Wilfong

South District Superintendent