messagejan2006

  Each year at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But after the New Year, we struggle to
remember to add a year as we date our checks, which should remind us that the entire Western World reckons
its calendar from the birth of One who CHANGED the world more than any other before or since.

I admit it. I am a creature of habit. I like routine. I like knowing to some extent what each tomorrow is going
to bring. I know it sounds boring, but, for me it brings great comfort. However, the only constant throughout
history had been CHANGE. And for may of us that can be difficult.

Recently I heard someone compare change to a roller coaster. I don't particularly like roller coasters because I
don't particularly like fear. However, that person was right - - life for us is likely to be that kind of ride.
Terrifying heights, belly womping turns, and diving hills. Unfortunately, I still have to ride roller coasts with my
son who isn't quite tall enough to ride alone.

Change: the only constant throughout all of history! The question becomes: how do we deal with it?

I guess you'd say I don't deal with or handle change all too well. Can you imagine my torment as I waled into
the gun on a Monday to find it packed to the brim, Where were all these people last week> Why the sudden
interest in my little get-away? Ugh! I had forgotten: New Year's. And with that comes the tradition of making
resolutions. These people trespassing on my gym were here to get fit. They were hoping for ...gulp...change!

Change is constant. Whether we like it or not, things do change.

Each year may of us make promises to change. We like to call them resolutions. We resolve "to make up one's
mind or decide firmly." I admit I gave up making New Year's resolutions a while ago. I had grown cynical with
myself for never following through on my personal resolutions( promises). But whether I resolve to change or
not, change still happens!

The Church is no different. Rosemont Church has seen may changes this past year. We've had babies born and
loved ones died. We've seen baptisms and funerals, weddings and confirmations. We had a very successful
stewardship campaign. We have a new boiler. Our finances are in order. We saw a music director come, and a
music director go. We have a new organ, a new minister of music, and a new soup kitchen, We also have many
new members and lots and lots of new ideas. It's been quite a roller coaster ride with all its ups and downs.
May God continue to bless our Church!

I think it's safe to say change is one constant. However, we can't forget the other constant - -and that is God,
the One who never changes. Who sees the end from the beginning , and for whom the future holds no surprises.
God has made us a solemn promise: to be with us always. That promise holds wherever we are, and is not
changed by the unexpected. In whatever success we enjoy, amidst whatever failure we suffer, God has
promised to be there with us.

In whatever changes the new Year brings your way, whatever roller coaster you may find yourself on, always
remember that God is with us, repeating those timeless words that have echoed across the centuries. "Be strong
and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your 'God will be with you wherever
you go." (Joshua 1:9)

May Bod's Blessing be upon you in the New Year!

                                                                                        Pastor Steltzer