Sermonette: August 30, 2021

Greetings dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Beginnings. Something new, or perhaps returning to something, to again begin anew… a new city, new job, new school, or a new baby in the house. Even in rural communities such as ours, where things never seem to change, there is usually something new. Of course the biggest thing that is new now is that once again, we are saying good bye to summer vacation and school has started. For some, it truly is a new beginning. The kindergarten children, the first graders, and perhaps the freshmen are all experiencing something new. If not new, at least something different, like a new teacher or new classroom. There are also teachers who may be experiencing the same emotions. Particularly those who have just graduated college and this is truly their first day of school. Teachers who have come from another school may be experiencing some jitters also. Did I make the right decision to change schools? Will I like it? Will I like the town? Will the students accept me? Will I get along with the principal and the superintendent? Yes, teachers and students alike are wondering, and are perhaps a bit nervous, about this new beginning.

At the college level anxieties also exist. Did I choose the right college or the right major? For some, this may be the first time they will be spending an extended time away from home. For the parents, this may be the first time in many years they won't have to get kids ready and off to school in the morning. This is definitely a new situation for them also. This is also a time of new beginnings for sports. For football teams at all levels, from the youngsters to the professionals, it can be a new beginning. Will I make the team? Will I be a star or a bench warmer? In personal relationships, we find new beginnings also. Everything from a first date to getting married, or a first child in the house, or even a new baby in the house even if it isn't the first child. Maybe a first day after a relationship or marriage has ended, any change, anything new can be a challenge. Yes, in so many ways and for so many people, new beginnings can be stressful.

I remember filling out the application form for seminary. The doubts running through my mind were many. Is this what God really wants me to do? Have I made the correct decision? What am I doing? I've already retired once. I am too old for this. I get the books for the first class and wonder if I'll be able to read all this and remember it. It has been too many years since I had read for retention and not just for fun. Will I pass any of the classes? Yes, this was all so new. Truly a new beginning.

I think of the disciples and what was going through their minds when Jesus told them to stop what they were doing and follow Him. This was a new beginning for them, and surely they had no idea how long they would stay with Him, or what was going to happen to them. This was surely something new in their lives. For so many people, their first encounter with Jesus turned out to be a new beginning for them also. Paul went from being a persecutor of Christians, and proud of it, to being a follower of Christ and a prolific writer; certainly a new beginning for him. He wrote to churches telling them about how turning to Christ and that remaining with Christ is like starting a brand new life, a new beginning.

So it can be for all of us as well. If you are experiencing anxieties about something new in your life, a new beginning, please know that you don't have to go through it alone. If there is someone you know that is going through a tough time because of a change in personal circumstances, be sure to let them know they are not alone. Regardless of the situation, we can call upon God anytime. He is there for us. He will listen to us. He will give you support for the simple reason that He loves you. If you are leaving home for the first time, don't forget to take God with you. If you are the one being left alone, know that God is there for you. Pray. Pray every day. Attend worship services. Even if you haven't been there for a while, you will be welcome. The main thing to know is that you don't have to experience change or new circumstances all by yourself. The God who created you loves you and He will never desert you. Whether God has never been a big part in your life, or any part for that matter, or maybe it has been a while since you last talked to Him, do it now. Tell Him your worries, your fears, share them with Him. He will take a load off your shoulders. Let Him be part of your new beginning.

I pray that all your changes and new beginnings will be a blessing for you. Amen.