My thoughts about my new position here in Houston; written for the church’s newsletter.

We are on a journey together. This is a new phase of ministry for this church and for Rev. Tim and me. I have been working diligently to learn faces, names and relationships, as well as where Bethany Christian Church is providing life giving ministry to the members of this congregation, Houston and the world.

It is an exciting and yet scary time for our congregation. We are stepping out in faith as we strive to be the hands and feet of God in the world around us. We might have more questions than answers but I am confiedent that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit be able to step into the this new phase of ministry for Bethany Christian Church.

Brian Wren wrote a hymn that maybe you have sung before in service entitled “This Is a Day of New Beginnings.” I love the title and the message of the words and I believe that is summarizes the journey that is before us. The idea is that God is able to make things new; by our faithfulness to God and God’s mission we will be arbiters of that new beginning.
I believe that the words found in it are striking and speak to the necessity of change and examining our past as we hope for our future.
The words are:
“This is a day of new beginnings,
time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing,
laying to rest the pain that’s gone.
For by the life and death of Jesus, love’s mighty Spirit, now as then,
can make for us a world of difference
as faith and hope are born again.
Then let us, with the Spirit’s daring, step from the past, and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt and grieving,
seeking new paths, and sure to find.
In faith we’ll gather round the table to show and share
what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our
God is making all things new.” (© 1987, Hope Publishing Co.)

What does God hold for Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Houston, Texas? To be honest, I do not have a clear answer.

I do know that with the guidance of God and our faithful response, our God will make all things new.

Here’s to the journey!

In Christ,

Rev. Evan M. Dolive