Now that Snowtember is over, we can enjoy the last few days of summer. I hope you all fared well during the storm and that you are well.

Yes, “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). It’s just now that we have a new season! Seasons change. Times come and go. Presently, I feel that the time for me is one of patient waiting and quiet reflection. My usual first response to change is to jump right in and act as if I can manage it better than anyone else! To slow down, breathe, and to stay open are practices that I choose now to embrace.

Deer Park United Church has seen much change. We started a journey with St. Andrew’s United in November of 2013. Changes in staff have occurred. Recently, Wilma Clark retired from pastoral care ministry at St. Andrew’s and at the end of this month the Rev. Rod Sykes will retire. Rev. Erin Klassen has chosen not to return to Deer Park. Rev. Catherine Elsdon will become the ordained supply minister at St. Andrew’s effective September 15.  And, as I speak a few other changes are underway but being managed because I jumped in!

As you find your way back home to DPUC and as you arrive, you will notice these differences and changes. You will also notice that the Children’s Program for Sunday morning will operate under a different schedule. The children will come in and begin their program at 10:00. This is to allow for better use of time and space. The leaders will have time to run the program and bring the children into the sanctuary near the end to join the worshiping community at that time.  What happens when they join the worshiping community will more likely vary over time. Baptism and communion will be moved to a later point in the service so that children can participate in these sacred communal acts of welcome, remembrance, feasting, and celebrating the presence of Christ.

As we move forward with this new plan, your comments, questions, and feedback are always welcomed. I do enjoy conversation about the life of our church as it often leads to greater understanding and a better delivery of programming. My door is open.

On our “Welcome Back” Sunday (September 21), the band from Naked Faith will provide special music. This is a presbytery/regional ministry group of youth and young adults. To them, their faith expression through music, and their lively energy we say, “Welcome!” Rev. Rod will also baptist a child from the St. Andrew’s community and this gives us an opportunity to welcome a child and to say welcome to all God’s children. Of course, there will be food, fun, and friendship!

Rev. Rod will also preach at his last service as minister of St. Andrew’s on Sept. 28. We will, with St. Andrew’s, celebrate his ministry and offer out thanks for all his contributions, insight, care, and vision.

And then, again with St. Andrew’s, we will look forward to welcoming and getting to know Rev. Catherine.  I look forward to her leadership and to building a relationship in ministry that will enhance the lives of our worshiping communities.

So, I slow down, breathe, and stay open. I invite you to join me in this spiritual practice. I thank you for being the people who embrace change with your wisdom, acceptance (sometimes rejection which is ok too), questions, hope, and love.

“Churchtember” is here!