Words from Wendy

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

May is an exciting time. It is a month of new life and fresh beginnings. The trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and the air carries the promise of warmer days. In the same way, God is always doing something new in our hearts.

Spring comes and life seems to be renewed. This is also a time that our confirmands affirm their baptism and become members of our congregation. Graduates set out on new adventures including myself. As they set off on this new chapter of life, it is my prayer that they understand that you don’t graduate from the church. Your relationship with God is a lifelong learning adventure that will take you to places you never imagined. So, hold fast to God’s Word and listen for his calling on your life.

I am filled with excitement and awe at what God has been doing. I have now had the honor of serving as your SAM for four years and now as your Intern for the past year. Through all the blessings and challenges I have loved every minute. I have watched as God has been moving in each and every one of you and in this church we call Zion.

Now as we move forward from the joy of Easter, let us remember that resurrection is not just an event we celebrate once a year, but a daily reality. Christ’s victory over death means that hope is never out of reach, no matter what we face.

I encourage you this month to look for signs of God’s renewal in your life. It might be in a restored relationship, a fresh opportunity, or simply the courage to take the next step in faith.

Let’s be people who carry the light of Christ into every corner of our community. To let go of the past as God calls us not to relive or be defined by past events, whether painful or triumphant. The “new thing” in the verse is a fresh start, a new direction, or a new way of doing things. The wilderness symbolizes barrenness, difficulty or uncertainty. God promises to create pathways where none existed, showing His ability to bring life and hope in the most unlikely places. The streams in the wasteland imagery represents refreshment, nourishment and revival. God will provide what we need and to sustain and transform us.

In summary these verses are a divine invitation to embrace change, to trust God’s new work and to grow in faith and hope.

Peace, SAM/Intern Wendy