Making All Things New
You may have noticed that the church has some new flooring in the library and hallway. I’ve only heard positive remarks about how it looks, but you might be wondering why, exactly, did we do this. Was something wrong with the previous flooring? Did it really need to be replaced? The short answer is yes, there was something wrong. When we were getting quotes for the annual floor cleaning during our ‘sabbath week’, one of the companies giving quotes pointed out multiple cracks in the tiles. Not only that, but the tiles, or the glue holding the tiles in place, was certainly filled with asbestos. Asbestos can be a hazard to our lungs and a potential carcinogen. Leaving the floor in disrepair felt negligent, so the Trustees voted to put in new flooring. The vinyl linoleum looks great and has sealed in any hazardous material. The Trustees did a great job and I invite you to thank them when you get a chance!
One more point I’d like in this time of transition is that we don’t change things just to change them. We change things with purpose and when its necessary. The scriptures talk about making “all things new” and it is a beautiful vision of what the whole world will one day look like when God transforms the world. We know from this that nothing stays the same forever, but its also important to recognize that it is God who ultimately changes the fabric of the universe, not people. We can do good, we can improve things, but the change that has a lasting impact on everything everywhere only happens when we align our goals with God. Its wonderful to have a nice church. Its important to take care of the things that have been passed on to us by another generation, but its also important not to spend money frivolously when God has given us a far more important task that we are uniquely called to - making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Disciple making happens when we follow through on our vision statement to be an inclusive community passionately following Jesus Christ. Sometimes that takes money and sometimes it will require repairs and replacement of things in the church, but the far greater part of our work and money needs to go toward making disciples. Let’s stay committed to this larger goal as we continue to minister to our church and to the wider community. God bless!
— Pastor Brian Neville