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A Word From the Pastor
"It Ain't Over Til It's Over"
October 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite computer games is called "Spider." It is an adaptation of the popular card game "Solitaire." While my family reassures me the game makes no sense to them, I find it an intriguing way of using logic to solve a puzzle that is filled with a host of unknowns.
Now there are two important things to remember when playing "Spider." First, the only way to win the game is through a willingness to explore all the options - even those that seem ridiculous or impossible. Thus, the redo button is more than a convenience. It is an absolute necessity! Second, the game is never over until the final round is dealt. I cannot begin to tell you the number of times the entire game looked absolutely hopeless until that last round when one card appeared allowing one move to be made that opened up the path to winning the game.
Since arriving at Lowman three months ago, I have had several people raise valid concerns about the future of this congregation. There have been decades of decline in both membership and attendance. While missions have always been important, we have yet to develop a workable plan for reaching the un-churched in our own community. Just as the economy was tanking, the building itself began to need major repairs. So, the question becomes how much longer can we hold on? Is there a future for the Lowman United Methodist Church?
Well, friends, remember the two rules of "Spider"? The only way to win the game is to explore all the options - even those that seem ridiculous or impossible. And the game is never over until the last round is dealt. So it is for Lowman United Methodist Church! There are options we have yet to explore and moves that have not yet been made. We have countless opportunities to explore what has been done in the past with the ability to redo, remake, and reuse what is found. And the second thing to remember is that the "game" will never be over until God deals the last hand! In other words, there is a solution to the challenges we face. All we have to do is keep praying, following, and believing!
In those moments when discouragement overshadows our faith in the future, we must remember the words God spoke to the persecuted Church almost 2,000 years ago: Behold, I am making all things new (Revelation 21:5).
So here is to our future - a future filled with the possibilities that come through loving and serving in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!
See You in Church,
Pastor Kathleen
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