Language Says It All

    Last spring, I do not remember the exact date although I could look it up, I blogged on more than one occasion that language said it all.  The content of those blogs were that as long as the stories of the past dominated our conversation, we would be mired in the past with all of its hurtful emotions.  But, when we began to talk about the future we were moving on to a new life.  Verb tenses are very important when it comes to language.  “I should have ...” is past tense while “the next time I will...” is future tense.
    I wrote those blogs as a way to point out the hope I was beginning to see at Epiphany.  I wrote them to compliment you and the hard work you were doing to put the past behind us.  The words in the blogs were true: we were changing.  And, we have continued that change to the present time.  Again, I compliment you.
    Over the last month, the language of Epiphany began to change once more.  At first the new language was just a trickle employed by one or two people.  Last week the new language became much more prevalent as it was used several times a day by several disciples at Epiphany.  Before I share with you what the new language is, let me state as loudly and firmly as possible that the new language is a good thing.  It is very positive.  We all should rejoice in it.
    The new language at Epiphany is, “Are you still here?  We have to get on with this call process.”  This was said before the word was out about Pastor Woodward. As word leaked out about having a new senior pastor, the language became, “I am really excited about the new pastor.”  Then, so my feeling would not be hurt, “We will miss you” was added to the sentence.  On Thursday after my last VBS session and on Sunday morning after church, several people said their “Goodbye” to me.
    The new language proclaims a message of hope.  Epiphany is ready to move on into the future.  It is ready for long-term leadership in the senior pastor’s office.  It is ready to build upon its strengths.  It is ready to regain its reputation of being a vital alive church proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus by serving others.
       I still have a few things that I want to accomplish while I am at Epiphany.  I am working with Ken Proehl and the Stewardship Task Force for this year’s stewardship campaign.  (I expect the same positive response as occurred last year as a way of welcoming your new senior pastor.)  I am working with those who primarily worship at Austin to implement their growth plan as they grow our church.  I have met with the Drama Team and hope to meet with them at least once more.  Then, of course, there are still four more sermons to be written and preached.  Through all of this, keep the new language growing for it is a sign of just how far we have come as a congregation over the last 19 months.  Continue to be excited and full of anticipation of the arrival of your new senior pastor.  The new language at our church is very positive and proclaims who we are as we anticipate a new future.
Pastor Pete