Loss In The Wake Of Change

    In writing my report for the Annual Report and in attending the annual meeting, my mind wandered over the past year.  It was a year of change, radical change.  To put an exclamation point on the year, I want to talk about change in this blog.
    The biggest downside to change is loss.  As a congregation and as individuals, we experienced some painful losses.  Some of the loss was in relationships.  We miss some of our former members and we talk about them kindly.  They were good friends and we wish they would return.  Some of the loss was in the way that we do things.  You had to get used to the way that I do things in worship, in meetings, and in our encounters as I walk throughout Epiphany’s building.  Sometimes that caused grumbling which was justified.  Some of the loss occurred in the decision making process.  Before last year, decision making was somewhat haphazard while today there is much more structure.  For those who were used to total freedom, the loss of that freedom has hurt.  The list of losses can go on and on but I think the point is made.  Change always brings the downside of loss in its wake.
    I began this blog with a discussion of loss because I want to acknowledge its existence.  I want to acknowledge the pain that it brings.  And, I want to acknowledge that some are still struggling with loss as we continue to move forward into the future.  Loss is a reality that cannot be denied.  I have tried to be sensitive to the loss that has occurred.
    Change also brings with it the possibility of gain.  I believe that we have gained a great deal in the past twelve months.  We have regained a spirit that matches our purpose statement, to love Jesus by serving others.  At the annual meeting, we acknowledged a climate of celebration as we said thank you to all the disciples at Epiphany  who have willingly volunteered to give of their time, skills, and ability.  We are creating a financial foundation that will support the delivery of Epiphany’s ministries to members and non-members alike.  I believe the roles and responsibilities of the staff and volunteers are much more clearly defined.  Clearly defined roles and responsibilities give good order in our decision making process.  Again, I could go on and on but I think you get the point.  Good things can come out of change.
    If change automatically brings loss and the possibility of gain, the questions is, Did we as a congregation and as individual disciples gain more than we lost over the past year?  If the answer is yes, we will tell our friends and neighbors what wonderful things are happening in our congregation.  If the answer is no, the struggle continues on how we are going to deal with loss that will not let us go.  For those who are celebrating the gain, I celebrate with you.  For those who are still struggling with loss, I empathize with your struggle.
Pastor Pete