How often do you think about transformation, about changing and becoming and growing into a better you?

In the month of May, our sermon series on Sundays shifts gears as we think about this word transformation. We are beginning this theme for a couple of reasons. First, because as we face a world and nation with enormous challenges and great division, we are reminded of the wisdom that the only person we can change in a relationship or situation is ourselves. Yes, we can and should pray for transformation of the state of our politics and communities, but alongside that, our own work must take place. How are we open to making changes to alter the course of history, to open our communities to a new future, to at the very least not lose our dignity and values as we are tested?

Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

What if our own continued transformation was a way for peace, love, and hope to take root in us?

Second, this new series also calls us back to the important work of the Future Story team as part of our Epiphany process. We launched the Epiphany process through Disciples Church Extension Fund to gather information on where we are as a church, how our neighborhood’s demographics are changing, and what leadership will be needed to face the future. Our Future Story has taken the elements of that work, from a leadership retreat, visioning time, and congregational assessment, and begun drafting a story of where we could be in five years if we are courageous and seek our own transformation as a congregation of faith.

The Future Story’s team work is not to suggest that our situation as a church is dire. In fact, we have many positive signs of growth and energy, from our amazing choir to a strong Cabinet to expanding conversations around inclusiveness. Our Faith in Action ministry has launched a new partnership with two community schools. But we do have significant challenges, including an aging building and a budget that needs more support. Our Future Story team is trying to pull all of those threads together in a creative way to help us imagine and reach for that new reality as we seek transformation.

Our desire is that the vision stretches us and gives us a bold push down a new path.

As we journey through this month together, we will pray a short transformation prayer in worship each Sunday. These prayers will be written by some of our church leaders, and I hope you hang on to your bulletin or snap a photo and continue to pray for your church throughout the week. Ponder the words. Sit with them. Think about what we might need to do as a congregation. Think about the Future Story team, and if you see them, give them some encouragement.

Here is our first Sunday’s prayer:

Holy One,
We believe you are writing a new chapter for our church, our lives, and our world.
Lead us in a new way that leads to love, freedom, and transformation.
Give us the courage to let go of anything holding us back
and freely embrace who we might become.
Amen.

Thank you for being open to being stretched in a new direction as God leads.

Thanks be to God,

Rev. Nathan Hill