April 2014 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Pen

Easter is About Change

Over fifty years ago, September 3, 1962, to be exact, a great change took place in Sweden. The

nation had been faced with a monumental dilemma for many years. Nearly all of Sweden’s cars were left-hand-drive (same as ours), but they still drove on the left. Imagine the problems. Drivers found themselves on the side of the car nearest the curb while it was the passenger who sat closest to oncoming traffic. Add to this the fact that all neighboring countries had already changed to driving on the right. Imagine the confusion at the borders. A decision of mammoth proportions was in the offing.

In the late 1950’s it was decided that on the assigned date, all traffic would shift to the right side of the road. But, how would it be accomplished? Nearly five years went into the planning. Pamphlets were distributed; training classes were held; general announcements were made throughout the country. And then the day came.

At 11:45 a.m. on September 3rd, all traffic stopped.  The law stated that all drivers would remain in their cars for a full five minutes in place.  Nothing would move.  Then five minutes was given for all vehicles to s-l-o-w-l-y make their way to the other side.  During this time black tape was placed over existing stripes in roadways and new yellow lines were uncovered.  Then another five minutes was given for each driver to contemplate and anticipate their next move at 12:00 noon ---driving on the right!

Then the signal was given.  All traffic proceeded to move forward ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD.  It was orderly.  No one got exasperated.  People treated each other with respect.  Within a very few minutes, all traffic was moving forward in an orderly fashion---smoothly and briskly.  A major change had come and gone without incident.  Change had taken place. 

The secret to the Swedish highway change can teach us something about change (conversion).  It is the stopping and changing direction that is the key.  The Hebrew word shuv (to turn) is at the root of any conversion.  Our Jewish ancestors understood it.  Jesus and the Apostles proclaimed it.  We must strive for it.  It is that time between the decision and the change which is crucial. 

As we face changes in our church over the next few years, let's remember the lessons learned from Sweden.  Let us be open to the very real possibility that what Pilgrim needs to offer the community is different from what has been the norm.  That kind of change may very well be in the offing.  Let us pray that the change is carefully implemented.  And, furthermore, let us pray that we can, in an orderly fashion, grasp the change and fully understand the mean of shuv (to turn).

Conversion (change) in the ministry of Pilgrim Church will take place in a similar fashion as it does in one's own heart - slowly and intentionally.  Let us be in prayer about the conversion of the program and ministry of this church.  May we prayerfully approach opportunities to be the very best disciples.

President Obama said in his 2011 State of the Union Address, "We cannot win the future with a government of the past."  I want to turn the phrase slightly and say, "We cannot win the future with a Church of the past."  Let's be open to positive change (conversion) as we look to increase ministry opportunities.