A Moment With Pastor Fred

In 1828, Governor Martin Van Buren wrote a letter to then President Andrew Jackson. His letter is the epitome of having no vision – living in the past and refusing to change with the future. He wrote: “The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as railroads. This federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons: One, if canal boats are supplanted by railroads, serious unemployment will result. Two: Boat builders would suffer. Three: Canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States. As you know Mr. President, railroad carriages are pulled by enormous speeds of 15 mph by engines, which in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, scaring livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty never intended that people travel at such breakneck speed.”

We laugh but failing to embrace the future isn’t funny but disastrous. What a pleasure to work with leadership here that is visionary – not content to live in the past. We as a church have sought to be very strategic. This has been especially  true with me transitioning out of the role of teaching pastor and another transitioning into that role. As announced last Sunday, Anthony Lange is coming to candidate for this role, June 8 and 15. Anthony’s doctrinal statement and philosophy of ministry can be found on the kiosk. Next Sunday during the ABF hour, the pulpit committee will conduct a “family chat” discussing what this involves, taking questions from the congregation. We urge our church family to be in attendance for this important time. It is exciting seeing what God is doing.