Transition Time
Whew, we just dropped off our oldest daughter Macy to college far, far away from home at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. We had the chance to move her into her dorm room, meet her roommate, and see her new room and campus. We had a final meal on campus with her and walked her back to her new home away from home. The university had random music playing in the background throughout campus on this move in day and as we said goodbye in the dark, of course the country song “Die from a Broken Heart” would be playing in the background. That was brutal and just wrong.
Transitions are tough. They can be sad, scary, and intimidating. But they can also be hopeful. They can be hopeful because transition to new things can bring growth, empowerment, and maturity. Macy, like so many other college freshmen, was ready for college and some more independence as an adult.
It’s a joy to parent and see our kids reach the age of adulthood and even in the uncertainty of whether you did everything right or wrong as a parent, there is no turning back. It has been a joy for Macy to be a part of SRBC over the years. We are grateful for a church who prayed over her hips at just six weeks old, taught her in children’s church, VBS, and Sunday School. You walked with her in youth group through her M.S. and H.S. years and sent her off with a biblical worldview and as a student who knows she needs to continue to Follow Jesus Further. She knows the people of our church love and care for her, including friends of all ages and what will be lifelong mentors in her life.
That’s our experience. But your experience isn’t much different from yours. Some of you sent off your oldest child to college. Some of you are experiencing an empty nest for the first time. And some of you are experiencing back to school where the house is a little quieter and the schedule is getting a little busier again. Some of you are right in the middle of the stream of transition. But even if you aren’t there right now, all of us have experienced transition at some point in our lives.
Our church has experienced transition in the past and we’re in the middle of some huge transition right now. Our staff and Ministry Leadership Team will have new experiences in the next month as will all of you as you receive pastoral care differently and the change of preachers from week to week. You are a gracious and strong faith filled congregation who can no doubt whether this storm of transition. And even thrive.
From my experience over 19 years, you are a congregation who rises to the challenge when ministry needs have to be met. In times of staff absences and new things, our volunteers have stepped up in huge ways. Those that are currently serving have “stepped up their game” and newcomers and others have stepped up to fill new roles and help out existing teams. A little fear is normal, but let’s lean into the hope filled future we have together in the months and years ahead as a church family.
Blessings to each of you as we enter this time of transition together.
Pastor Bryce
