Good evening brethren and happy Sabbath!  Just a reminder there is a potluck in Columbia tomorrow, followed by Sermon Discussion.

The only constant in life is…

…change. You’ve heard that a million times, I’m sure.  And, from my time here on Earth thus far, I’ve found it to be true.

It seems whether it’s a part of our personal lives, the society we live in, or even the weather, something in our world is always changing.

Different kinds of changes

Broadly speaking, you could say that change falls into one of two categories.  Ones that affect us and ones that do not.  A change in our health could affect us in a very significant and noticeable way.  Other changes, such as what color you neighbor paints their house, have very little impact on our lives, unless of course it’s something wild and decreases your property value!

Then there are all the changes in between. Last fall, a new president was elected here in the United States. While some of his decisions might impact our lives to an extent, by and large, life has not radically changed for any of us.  Of course, that can all change in a moment, but you get that idea. A lot of the changes we experience in life will have some degree of influence over our lives, yet not leave a lasting impact.

Change vs. transition

As you are no doubt aware, UCG’s Council of Elders elected last week to appoint a new president.  This review and decision is a part of our regular governing process, which has allowed for a smooth transition of leadership in our organization’s last 30 years. And it’s here that I think we see the key difference between change and transition.  Changes are often abrupt and cause confusion. Transitions are changes that are done peacefully, without causing major disruption.

While it is yet to be determined who the new president of UCG will be, I feel very confident this upcoming transition will go as smoothly as it has with previous changes in administration. As a church, we will continue to do all the things we normally do such as have Sabbath and Holy Day services, provide pastors for each congregation, host Feast sites, sponsor camps, etc. All of those things are a part of who we are and what we do. They are incorporated into our structure and bylaws. While a new president for the church might bring about changes in style, the overall mission of the church - to preach the gospel and prepare a people - remains constant.

As this transition begins to unfold, let’s continue to support the work and those who humanly direct it with our prayers that all be done to the honor and glory of our great God!