old is new again

It's always funny how things that were old often become "cool" again.  Fashions that had faded somehow make a comeback.  Music from a previous generation somehow finds new popularity.  Decorators are often going back to "vintage" things to bring flair to a space.  Old becomes new.

Over the past 50 years the church went through a lot of changes.  Many churches ditched hymns and choirs for rock bands and lyrics on the wall.   Many churches got rid of organs and pulpits and instead saw Pastors wearing skinny jeans and preaching from the Message.  None of these things are bad or good, just "new" and, therefore (to some), "improved."  

But, now we are starting to see a swing back toward some old things again.  Lots of churches are dusting off the hymns and finding the rich meaning of these beloved songs.  Some churches are bringing back ancient practices and focusing on the church calendar (Advent, Lent, Ash Wednesday.) who hadn't done so before.  They find that these old practices have powerful impacts.  

This is one reason why I love our church.  We have tried to find a balance between old and new.  We have sought to be a multi-generational church where our senior citizens and our younger members (and kids) can worship together.  This is a hard balance, and sometimes it doesn't work perfectly...but by blending and valuing the old and the new, we find a healthy church where all can be cared for and valued.

As you pray for our church (which I hope you do often), pray that God would bless us with both old and new.  That older members would worship with younger members in harmony.  That teens and senior adults would become friends and mentors.  That God would help us overcome generational differences and find unity in the name of Jesus who connects us all.  Pray that we would see old and new together, worshiping the eternal God!  

In Christ,
Pastor Scott