Changes

Interesting things happening at my church. A new pastor after 20 years with the old one makes for drama now matter who's involved. Personally, I like our new pastor. I don't know him real well and reserve the right to change my opinion, but from what I see, he's a straight shooter and by that I mean that he says what he means and calls 'em like he sees 'em. I like people who don't require me to work hard at just figuring out what they really mean or really want. The pastor is shaking things up by merely being different than the old one, who was dearly loved, even though he also drove people a little crazy. The status quo is changing and since the new pastor has only been here 2 months, the dust hasn't settled yet so everyone has a sense that things are unsettled. As I wasn't part of the 'inner circle' with the old pastor, I am less emotionally involved in these changes than others. I find it interesting to watch the dynamics of people dealing with change. I was discussing all this with a friend and was reminded of 1 Corinthians 1, where Paul admonishes the people of Corinth that they are not followers of personalities (some of you say you are disciples of Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or Christ) but we must be united as followers of Christ. I think some of the people at my church need to be reminded of this. It isn't about them! Who cares if Jane does this and Joe does that. The point being it needs to be done and let's do it. People have become to invested in their 'jobs' at church, closed off to the possibility of change or improvement. I don't envy our new pastor, because in addition to all the expected problems of coming in after someone who's been there so long, he is also inheriting facilities that are old and in need of repair. He had the air-conditioning people out and they wondered how our units (for the church, the hall and the school) were still operating at all! Our church is also facing financial difficulties as collections are down due to the economy and we tended to just squeak by before. Alas, I pray for our new pastor and our church community.

My favorite brother-in-law on my side of the family (and I guess it's safe to say that since I only have one sister who is married) is coming by for lunch today. He's got family across the bay and is here visiting them. I've know him as long as I've know Hubby (they were friends before my sister or I met either of them) and he's just a good-guy. I always feel better from having spent time with him. So today will be a good day, I'm sure.