THE PASTOR'S CORNER FOR MARCH, 2023

Reflections from Pastor Kim

     ​     You will notice that on Sunday, March 19th we will gather around tables for food, fellowship, and to consider possibilities for the care of the Oakland UMC facilities. There will be time for looking over both proposals, asking initial questions, and perhaps a little dreaming and a few "what ifs" from those gathered.

This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path
through pounding waves, the God who summons horses and chariots and
armies – they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles.
“Forget about what’s happened, don’t keep going over old history.  Be alert, be present.  I’m
about to do something brand new.  It’s bursting out!  Don’t you see it?
There it is!  I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say, ‘Thank you!’ – the coyotes and the buzzards –
Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.””  Isaiah 43:19-21  The Message

          After several weeks we will meet again to answer additional questions and to take a vote concerning which proposal we wish to carry forward. Folks, this can be scary stuff!! Not matter which proposal is chosen there will be differences to our buildings, there will be times of displacement of a ministry or service, and there will be hesitations as we contemplate whether we chose the correct actions for such a time as this. Obviously, we know that the changes will not be instantaneous, but instead will happen over time. In the midst of that is when we begin to second-guess ourselves.

​          I encourage you to begin praying now, if you aren't already, for God's Will to be made evident in the lives of our Faith Family. Pray for clarity for all and also for a willingness for each of us to open eyes, ears and minds to the current and future needs of our Faith Family. In the midst of that, please pray over this scripture from Isaiah. Perhaps it sounds something like...

“Lord of Vision and Creator of Our Souls, you formed us and know us.
You know our fears and excitement when you proclaim that there is a new thing in the air;
Perhaps something similar, yet different or something we have not yet
Conceived that you would call us to, both individually and as a Faith Family.
Love us through our questions, our excitement, and our disappointments.  Bring us with you
Into Your preferred future for Oakland United Methodist Church.
In your strength-filled and holy name we pray.  Amen.”

          Perhaps, just perhaps, if we turn this decision over to God, we will move forward not only together, but in the way that God dreams for us to move, with the confidence of people of faith who honor the past and prepare for what is yet to be, in God's holy name. Let us go forward to Offer, Accompany, Kindle  together. 

Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey!  Pastor Kim