LVCCM News October 2026

2 days ago

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LVCCM News

October 2026

FROM THE LVCCM SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

“Change”

Some words cause reactions, like 'fore!' shouted on a golf course, or 'fire!' shouted in a crowded room. The word 'change' could also be on that list. Hearing the word 'change' or even just thinking about 'change' can cause a variety of reactions.

Let's consider 4 reactions to be avoided: First, let's reject a critical or judgmental opinion of change. By itself, change is neither positive nor negative. It could be either. It is the effect the change will cause that will determine if the change is good or bad. We want to avoid the wrong assumption that any and all change is bad.

Second, we want to avoid quick and hasty conclusions. Unless a crisis or emergency is involved, there is no need to come to an immediate conclusion. Sometimes we are in too much of a rush to reach a conclusion. Too often we are not good at 'brainstorming' or taking the time to consider all the possible choices. Taking the time to consider all the choices is time well spent; taking the time to evaluate the effect the change will have is being wise. Well-thought-out decisions are always better than immediate responses. Time used to consider choices before making a choice may even be the time when we change our immediate reaction and make a wiser choice.

Another danger to avoid is falling in love with the 'status quo.' As a 'child of the ’60s' I remember a banner back then that caused quite a stir. The banner proclaimed: 'The 7 last words of the church: "We've never done it that way before."' Assuming that what worked well and was very successful in the past will continue to work well in the present and future can be not only a horrible miscalculation, but too often also might be the fatal words of a dying organization. It is true: Past successes can be the greatest obstacle for future successes. The present and future are often different from the past. As a pastor I now have the joy of serving many declining churches. Smaller numbers and advanced average ages are common. It's not that anyone has done anything wrong; it's just that things have changed. Too often we remember the 'good old days' which will likely not be repeated. Too often I hear about past Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools overflowing with kids and hear that all we have to do is do now what we did then. Sadly, wrong! Years past, most every church had at least one family so large they took up an entire pew. Now, few, if any, churches have families that large. Parents having lots of kids was how many churches grew in the past; but today evangelism is probably more effective than reproduction! And today's youth are the 'screen generation' and no longer will 'sit quietly in nice rows paying attention to every spoken word generation.' What used to be a smashing success in the past can now end up being a frustrating failure.

We also need to understand the difference between the 'wine and the wineskins.' (Check out what Jesus taught in Matthew 9:16–17 and Mark 2:21–22.) There is a difference between the container and the content, between the packaging and the product. Kittens and kids love to play with empty boxes and sometimes ignore the gift or product that was inside the box. The wineskins, the container or the packaging may change, but the wine, the content or the product remains the same and is most valuable.

In conclusion, please read 1 Chronicles 12, which describes a time of great change for Israel: the theocracy (the form of government where God ruled over prophets, priests, and kings) was replaced by a monarchy (where the king ruled). The first king, Saul, was being replaced by King David. In all this change, chaos, and confusion we read in v. 32: 'men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.' What a great example for us! How important it is that we 'understand the times' and 'know what we should do.' This wisdom comes from God! How we need God's wisdom all the time—and especially when we are in a time when change may be an option to consider. Let us pray for God's wisdom!

Let's always remember that in spite of all the confusion that change can cause, we have a God who never changes, and His grace for us and others will last forever!

GLY & SDI

Pastor Bob, Spiritual Director

Meet Our Rector and Rectora of Weekend #104!

Let’s welcome our new rector and rectora for Weekend #104! Please lift Jeremy and Laura up in prayer, asking God to strengthen them and grant them clarity, wisdom, discernment, and patience as they build their teams. Pray that God opens doors, softens hearts, and raises up willing servants with joyful hearts who are eager and ready to serve. May God guide their steps and bless the work ahead!

The New Cursillistas of Weekend #103!

Shellee Stephens, Melanie Rattray, Kadie Pettit, Alisha Burridge, Kati Fetterly, Dani Tresp, Jordyn Edwards, Sean Miller, and Sofia Cain

Mike Crist, Mark Greenwell, Ryan Rigterink, Harland Koboldt, Ryan Rattray, Eric Williams, Mike Carson, Kurt Gelman, Hans Ruffer, Steve Gleason, Marco Miller, and Jason Nielsen