A message about change

May 7, 2022

Dear PJ's Community,

Change is everywhere and often when I hear that word, bells go off in my head. What is wrong? What can I do? What should I do? But change doesn’t have to set off these bells or whatever it does for you. Change can be good  as well, I‘ve been noticing all the buds popping everywhere, trees stretching their limbs and unfurling new leaves.  

And even some surprise visitors among the blooms!

So, with change there can be life-giving newness. We don’t always have to fear change. And so too for us at St PJ’s. Jesus is risen and life is reborn within us. And it’s not the addition of chairs alone at St PJ’s that reflect a change and newness. It’s within each of us. Under the leadership of Brian and Claire and supported by sharing in Eucharist with Nathan we are becoming something new as a community of faith at St PJ’s. 

At Noon Day Prayer this past Wednesday, we read from Luke 7:11-17 about the death of a widow’s son and how Jesus brought him to life again. And following this, "they all realized they were in a place of holy mystery”. And I believe we too at St PJ’s are in a place of holy mystery. A time of change, yes and transition, yes; but we must trust that our God is with us and within each of us as we move forward to a new future as the people of God on this corner of Chapel and Olive.

Let us not fear change, but rather welcome it, with renewed faith in ourselves, one another and our God. 

I close with a prayer, author unknown, which fell out of my Book Of Common Prayer. (Just by chance?)

          “May today there be peace within.
          May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
          May you not forget the infinite possibilities born of faith.
          May you use those gifts that you have received,
          and pass on the love that has been given to you.
          May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
          Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
          freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. (And I would add laugh.)
          It is there for each and every one of us.”

Blessings to all!

Marilyn J. Bergen,
Vestry Member