Sound Theology by Colleen Butcher

My pastor’s last week of service at our church was last Sunday. She has been called to be an assistant to our new Bishop and serve as the Evangelism and Missions co-ordinator. I am excited for her as I don’t believe they could have picked a better person for the ministry. For
some of our congregation, this is a time of sadness. It is almost like someone has died. Pastor Patti is a large presence anytime you are around her. It’s almost like the holy spirit just jumps off her to bless you! One of the things I love that she does during worship is to sing during the liturgy. Music, it would seem, is an important part of Patti’s life. She sang in the choir, played the bells, and listened to some great tunes during Octoberfest. I can’t wait to see what she will be doing in her new position. For me, Patti is one of God’s pens and God is getting ready to compose a symphony!
So Long Farewell from The Sound of Music
Even in sad times, we must laugh!

Change, it’s always happening. When we finally get comfortable our sofa breaks. This happened this week for me. The Pastor of my church resigned. This was actually a good thing as she is being called up to be an assistant to our bishop. The thing is, I don’t like the change.
It’s not that I’m mad; it’s just that I’m sad. I joined this church because of my pastor. I’m a pastor, and I needed to have a pastor who understands me. I am a handful. Since I work in a para-church environment, there will be many times I can’t attend, but I want to have a local person whom I can call my pastor. Pastor Patti is that to me. Patti is actually moving into a
para-church role for starting churches in our diocese. This is my passion as well. The thing is, this change is good. I mean it is great! But, I just don’t like change. Today, God reminded me that He never changes. So, all the other stuff that seems to change, the loss of comfortableness will eventually become comfortable again. Then more change will happen. The constant is that in all the maelstrom of ebb and flow, God never changes. I wonder if the very nature of change is the very thing that never changes? Today, I was reminded of a song from back in my youth…
OK, I’m old, but this song is good. And THAT never changes.

“Changes” by David Bowie

Who has seen the fields, white with flowers, or ripe with grain? The bounty of the Lord’s
creation is beautiful beyond words. The wheat moves at the touch of His hand.
“The Wind And The Wheat” – Phil Keaggy
May He move in our lives as he moves the wheat.

Healing happens.
It may take different forms. It may happen instantly or take years. No matter the way it occurs,
it happens. We have been healed, we are healed, we will be healed. Healing is a paradox. It
exists in the eternal plan of ultimate healing. It a glimpse into the redemptive heart of God.
In music, we can be healed, even if for a moment by the notes passing through our minds.
What’s songs bring you healing? These songs heal me.
Great is Thy Faithfulness https://youtu.be/yN3GaJ4EBRk
You Raise Me Up
https://youtu.be/H2sZuJbxi8Y

This last week, I spent time with a group that I have been a part of for 16 years.  This group is made up of many Christian tribes.  We worship in different ways.  We pray differently.  Some raise their hands, some speak in tongues.  There are Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, etc. Regardless of our background, we love each other. We share bread together, we laugh, we cry, we pray for each other.  The body of Christ is a beautiful collection of different people.  One Body, One Lord.

“Undivided” by First Call                                                             

We are one in Christ.

“United” By Dan Loewen

We worship one Lord.

“Ceili Rain” by Ceili Rain