Ch-ch-ch-Changes

Change is a part of being the church, although sometimes change in a church is like trying to alter the course of a large supertanker in the ocean. It can take miles and miles and a long time. Other times, change comes about quickly and, really, it is all we can really count on in our life with God. When God does new things, it is often not kind of like things that went before. Rather, they are completely new - like crossing into a new land or meeting Jesus for the first time.

And so it is in our life in the church. Usually the biggest change in a church is changing pastors. Mount Republic Chapel of Peace has a small advantage in that they are used to it, since they rightfully consider themselves a training ground for new pastors. They serve that mission very, very well and I am truly grateful to be a recipient of that grace and love, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the loving people of this congregation.

And so the changes continue. My family and I will be moving to the Mid-Coast area of Maine, to Rockland - the Lobster Capital of the World - in November. Rockland Maine is 2900 miles from the mountains of Cooke City. We will be moving from 7600 feet above sea level to about 26 feet above sea level. Rockland is right on the ocean and is about a half mile from the first place to see the sun rise in the United States. I will be pastoring the Congregational church there. We are very excited.

I am also excited for Mount Republic Chapel of Peace. Transitioning between pastors is always a difficult thing, but Mount Republic has learned to make this a smooth transition. They go out of their way to welcome and care for their pastors, which is a great blessing. Bible studies will continue; the snowmobile ministry to Crandall will go on; worship will be joyful and moving as always; and Mount Republic will continue to be a refuge for local and traveler alike, a place where God is working on God's people and in God's creation and in God's community.

I have changed the title of this blog to Mount Republic Chapel of Peace Blog and made it possible for whoever the pastor is here to update the blog. My personal blog has kept all my entries on this blog and will continue as a personal reflection blog about ministry, etc. The title of that blog is "A Pastor on The Edge of God's World".

There may be one last update from me, otherwise, Haley Goranson, my successor, will update this blog.

May the Lord be with all of you. You are a gift to the mountains, the community and the church.

With love,
Pastor Seth