Change is in Our Future

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Someone quipped “The only people who like change are wet babies!” A childless young adult at the time, I didn’t know that not all babies like to have their diapers changed no matter how soggy or stinky they are.

And yet, the only thing that we know for certain is that everything changes. Babies become toddlers become children become teens become young adults, and so on until they – we – become elders, if we’re lucky. And change – even when expected and welcomed – can still be uncomfortable and even hard.

One of the roles of a Developmental minister is to engage in change in congregations. With that as a part of my charge, I’ll be bringing some change to the worship services starting on September 10. No change is permanent (see above about change being the only certain thing), though we’ll live with them for some months to see how they settle before revisiting and adjusting again.

Here are some of the specifics of what will be different:

  • Our gathering will start with a welcome from a member of the Board of Trustees. The board member will offer the land acknowledgment, and share any announcements of important news. They’ll invite us to settle in and ring the chime.
  • That brings me to the second change: recently, QUUF received the gift of a large crystal singing bowl. It has a beautiful sound, and will better fill the space both visually and aurally. I’m excited to have it become a part of worship.
  • The flow of the services will include a longer time for stillness and reflection following the sharing of joys and sorrows.
  • I’ll be revising the script that has been used for a good while and will make ongoing revisions so that it doesn’t become stale.

I aim to renew and refocus our services and keep our fundamentals. We’ll still include times to sing and share readings to bring diverse voices into our reflections. We’ll still have a sermon, opening and closing words and, of course, music.

I invite you to approach any of the changes that may come this year with a spirit of curiosity and an open heart. This time of Developmental Ministry is an opportunity to explore and discover, as well as to join in the creation of the next steps in the life of QUUF.

8 Responses to “Change is in Our Future”

  1. We feel a sense of excitement about the upcoming church year and look forward to some fresh ideas in the Sunday service. Thank you for being here.

  2. As someone with a neurological condition, I am not able to tolerate the sound of crystal bowls. It is unknown why their frequencies and resonance cause seizures for some people and just extreme physical discomfort for others. As beautiful as they are, when they are going to be used, it would be a good idea to warn the congregation so those of us who need to leave may do so in advance.

    1. Rev. Linda says the crystal bowl will only be used as a chime or gong, rather than the “singing” feature that concerned me in my comment above. So – no problem. I think it will be beautiful!

  3. Someone once suggested that during a part of the service that is one’s least favorite, pause, and consider that for someone in the sanctuary, it is their favorite. This is one of the ways we come together with our differences.

  5. change is the only reality and with that each of us changes
    as we make our way with you as our new minister and carry hope
    that each of us can change in a positive way!

  6. I love the focus on change. It brings renewal and excitement. It can be hard, but is usually beneficial, whatever the setting…

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