Our sermon this coming Sunday will investigate the parable of the new wine in old wine skins (Matthew 9:17). It’s a familiar image to many of us. We understand that something that has already served its purpose, previously, can not necessarily be returned to action in the same way. A new message might need a new medium of delivery. A new covenant made between God and God’s people will not necessarily include all the former laws, rules, and restrictions of the old covenant. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Sometimes, new things can be scary, intimidating, or unsettling. Going to a new place isn’t always easy. “Where will I park? Will I know anybody when I get there? What if I don’t fit in?” New habits, behaviors, and customs can be equally unsettling. “I don’t want to sit up front. We ALWAYS sit in this pew! I wish our pastor prayed as eloquently as our other pastor! How come we don’t do XYZ anymore?” Change can be difficult. I am glad to report, however, that in my two-plus years at First Pres, I have found our congregation to be flexible, adaptable, and open to change. The Spirit is clearly at work in each of you.
This coming Sunday, our sermon will focus our attention on stewardship. I want for us together to think critically AND use our imaginations to discover how God is calling us to bring our resources together for the benefit of our church and congregation — and — what new things God is calling us to do for the benefit of our community and the world. I would expect that many of us are familiar with the reality of Thanksgiving dinner – “Wow! Look at all this food. We clearly have more than we need!” If you’re like me, perhaps when you walk into your garage, you have a similar reaction, declaring, “We need to get rid of some stuff.” Similarly, First Presbyterian Church, God continues to bless us with more than we need. I am convinced that we have been blessed to be a blessing.
As the holiday season races toward us, and we shift our hearts and sentiment toward generosity and kindness, may God shape us into a people eager to respond to God’s blessings and willing to consider new ways to be the church together for the sake of the world. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and your family.
Pastor Adam
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