Change is Hard

It has often been said that the last seven words of the church will always be, “We’ve never done it that way before.” It is a recognition that, for many people in the church, change is particularly difficult. We usually attend a church because we like the way things are. And the consistency of it is a source of comfort and security. Therefore, we tend to want to keep everything just the way it is so that we don’t lose those feelings of comfort and security. And so the idea of changing anything or doing something new usually stirs our anxiety and creates a knee-jerk response against it. 

This is one of the reasons many people had a hard time with Jesus. He brought change to the religious practices and theological understandings of the Jews. One of the things he came to change was their understanding of what it meant to love our neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, which we will look at this week in worship, Jesus claims that even those we might consider enemies should be viewed as our neighbor rather than just the people who live near us or who look, think, or vote like we do. That is not an easy change to for us to make, especially in a world and a society that constantly tell us to fear those who differ from us in any way, insisting that they are a threat to our happiness, security, or way of life.

But as the people of God, we should not fear change. After all, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). And he promises to be with us through every change that takes place in our lives. Even in the church. Trusting in that promise, and hopeful about our future, the Session has taken the following action:

Starting February 11, the Table Worship Service will move from 5 pm to 11 am on a trial basis through the Season of Lent. 

This service will remain casual with live, contemporary music in Highland Hall, and the sermon will be streamed from the Sanctuary. The 8:45 am and 11 am services in the Sanctuary will remain unchanged. We are hopeful that this worship option on Sunday mornings will be an attractive alternative for many of our members. If you have never been to the Table, this will be a great opportunity to give it a try. 

Worship with Us

To God be the Glory in all our worship, music, and mission. All are invited to worship with Independent Presbyterian Church. View our schedule for this Sunday.