“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Every summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, we change our worship time from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. At the March Board Meeting, we had a discussion about keeping the 10:00 a.m. time all year, instead of switching back and forth.

Change can be difficult, especially when we are used to how things are. But nothing stays the same in life. And sometimes, we need to try something different. A good friend recently reminded me that when we are too used to something, muscle memory takes over, and we stop thinking about what we are doing, and just start going through the motions. Sometimes, we have to stretch our muscle memory by changing things up.

So much of our church life is like this. We come to worship, expect that worship to be done in a certain way, and then go home. But what if this certain way has become a stumbling block for us in our faith journey? What if we need to spice things up? Or change things just a little bit? What if we are being called to something new because God has bigger plans for us?

We understand that not everyone likes the thought of worship at 10:00 a.m. year round, for various reasons. We also know there are some who feel that the 10:30 a.m. time is not their favorite.

Yes, this change will cause other changes to happen. Choir rehearsal will have to change.

During the summer, this isn’t an issue, because the full choir isn’t singing. But during the rest of the year, the choir will not be able to rehearse like they do now because Susan will be coming from Grace Lutheran Church (where she plays every Sunday before coming to Faith First) just in time to warm them up before worship begins.

Adult Faith Formation classes will probably stay at the 9:00 a.m. start time. But Children’s Faith Formation classes will begin at 9:15 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

The Board is asking for a trial period of one year. We will then re-evaluate whether the 10:00 a.m. time for worship is working, or we need to rethink the time.

July 1st will be my 14th year anniversary since I was called to this church. Many, many things have changed since I arrived, and you have always rolled with the punches. I know this will be no different. I just ask that you give it a chance. Again, if after the year, it doesn’t work, we will go back to what we have always done, or try something else!

Thank you for your patience, your grace, and your willingness to try new things. Our Gracious God is always working through us to make heaven on earth. I am so grateful for you!

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi