During these first 2 weeks of August when we have been studying the New Testament book of Hebrews on Sunday mornings with Pastor Larsen and in weekly Bible Study with Pastor George, I have been struck by how these words written so long ago seem to me like they were penned just a short time ago. Sure, isn’t that the point. But somehow, I feel like I’ve been hit over the head with a new insight. Here we are in 2022, the entire world seems to be in chaos dealing with very serious climate changes with world wide impact, international financial instability and political upheaval that leave us shocked and frightened, and we’re recovering from a pandemic that seemed to last far longer than we expected. And here at Holy Trinity, we’re in the throes of the search for a new pastor. Yes, we’re all tired.
The people to whom the text of the book of Hebrews was addressing were tired. The author’s intent was to provide words of encouragement. As Pastor Larsen explained, she reminds the readers that much like the experiences of Old Testament heroes, faith looks to the future, and the final destination awaits us over the horizon. Clinging to nostalgia for the past ways – the old songs we love, the Sunday school room filled with kids, the crowded Easter Sunday services – won’t bring them back, and continued focus on the past won’t make our faith journey easier to navigate. But we can work together in this uncertain time, and find new ways to join the faith journey. In few weeks, we will be asking each of you to prayerfully consider what role you can play in moving our faith journey toward the new horizon. Why not participate in an activity you’ve never tried before – participate in Caring Connections, join the Worship Team and participate in the Altar Guild, join the Hospitality Team to work with others to make our church more welcoming. Or maybe you have an idea we’ve never tried before – we’ll listen. Please think about what gifts you have been given, and how you can use those gifts to move our faith journey forward. As we share our gifts, we can move ahead on our faith journey.