In the reading from Isaiah for Easter Day, the prophet writes this: "For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating," (Is 65: 17-19). Isaiah's words prophesy about the fact that God is always creating something new, and we are called not just to watch it happen, but to help make it happen. Isaiah's words are not easy when this new creation idea involves change or loss or sadness, but they are no less true.

My call as Rector of St. John's in Johnstown is a big 'something new' for me! Lots of changes, enormous amounts of new information-new names! new faces!-and a long commute; all this lies ahead for me. And I'm not always good at change, I admit. Yet I am confident and excited because I know God is also giving me a reason to rejoice and be glad, because I am being called to be part of a new work in His name.

But guess what? So are YOU! You have all been called to be part of 'something new' here at St. George's. Whenever a space is left behind by the absence of something or someone we love, you can be sure that a new creation is already in the works. It may not be easy. It may, in fact, be profoundly difficult (think of a mother laboring in birth!), but God is putting faith and trust and love in this congregation to do a new work in His name.

So start dreaming and scheming now; start talking to each other to see who shares your vision of a new work, a new program, a new ministry. I'll even give you some ideas: how about our Youth Program? Raising kids in faith takes work, but it's got to be fun, too. This coming September we need a no-kidding around, amazing Youth Program for the kids who are being confirmed in May. Can you help with that?
Or can you think of activities that will help draw more adults together in faith and fellowship? Foyers? Another Frugal Meals celebration? Bible study? Neighborhood mission trips?

I've told several people that I feel the Spirit of God literally vibrating in the congregation when we gather. God clearly has work for us to do, and He's right there with us, working alongside. What is your part in God's new creation here at St. George's? A year from now I expect to hear the stories!!

But please know something else: I love you. I love all of you. OK, I especially love your children and your babies------but you know that already. You have invited me into your church and on your spiritual journeys so we could be part of a new creation together. I have been inspired, humbled and finally, I have been literally loved into the next part of God's plan for me at St. John's. What a blessing to be sent with so much love! Thank you.

You need to know one more thing: whenever I have been privileged to serve you during worship or prayer or bible study, whenever I looked out at the congregation gathered or at the way you knelt at the altar to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, I thought of this quote from Thomas Merton: "There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around, shining like the sun." You do that. You shine. And in that light, I have seen the face of God. Imagine that.

Saint Paul has said it best: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3