Seasons

Dear Friends in Christ,

I believe that anyone who knows me will not be surprised when I say that I love living in Ohio. My love of THE Ohio State Buckeyes borders on the idolatrous. I love living near Lake Erie, that great inland sea that brings so much life to our part of the world. I love Northwest Ohio where you can see for miles and miles in any direction. Mountains certainly are beautiful, but 1 am by nature a flatlander. I love Wood County where during this time of the year you pass fields of corn and soybeans, perfectly planted and uniform in size. Driving by you get the feeling that like Great Lake Erie there are oceans of life all around. Those oceans of life provided by the Grace of God food to nourish and sustain families.

Of all the things that are Ohio my favorite has to be our seasons. Spring rain leads to summer heat which leads to autumn leaves which end up turning into winter snow. Some seasons are longer than others, we never have uniformity in our seasons, yet they are always present. They lead and direct our lives. Spring planting, Summer cultivating, Fall harvest, Winter surviving. Seasons constantly provide a rhythm to our lives. Every season comes with its own unique set of challenges, yet by God's grace we overcome and live.

The Church of Jesus Christ also goes through seasons. Through the millennia, the church has gone through many opportunities to change and grow. We face many new and unique challenges during this season that we find ourselves in as followers of Christ. Shrinking numbers of congregations and giving members. Clergy shortages mostly caused (but not exclusively) by aging and retiring pastors not being replaced by younger and more energetic people. Our seminaries are empty. We are entering a season where lay people, called by God, will lead this church.

Now that might sound scary to some of you, and if I have to be honest it scares me a little too. This season however gives me great hope, and if you allow me, I will explain why: God is providing leaders for the church. God is providing leaders from all kinds of backgrounds and cir-cumstances. God is putting God's word into the mouths of many, not just a select few, who happen to have gone to school a little longer than other folks. What we are learning in this season is that our baptism qualifies us ALL to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. It comes down to this season is one for growing and changing. This season is one for patience and understanding.

Bottom line; this season is a time for trusting in the one who will make everything right, Jesus Christ! I am so proud to be your pastor.

Peace,

Pastor Bob