Happy New Year, everyone! It’s January, and I think most people are grateful for the chance to turn over a new leaf as well as a new calendar. I think most people use this time of the year as an opportunity to make some changes in their lives and to start doing things differently.
Change can be difficult. Just ask anyone who decides to lose weight in the New Year. In order to lose weight, we need to eat differently and exercise more and be more mindful of our eating habits. We need to not give into cravings as often or to stress eat or to allow ourselves to be tempted. That’s a lot of smaller changes that add up to one large change. And if we don’t keep up with the changes, we backslide and regain any weight we did manage to lose.
In the life of Our Redeemer’s, we have had some changes take place over the past few months that lead us to starting 2024 looking different than when we started 2023. In July, Christy told us that she planned to re-retire in October from working as our office secretary. We then hired Cheyenne whose life then changed to the point where she could not continue in the position. We then hired Erik who has now just started as our office secretary.
Things have changed with our music program. Cindy who played for worship services for years and years has stepped back from playing. That leaves Wayne to play on the second Sunday of the month and Maddy to play two other Sundays. That also means that we may be singing with prerecorded music or having guest musicians for other Sundays in the month. That will be a big change in the life of the congregation.
For me personally, my life has also changed recently, also. Because I am only ¾-time as your pastor, I have been working at Festival Foods in the deli part-time. Back in October I was offered and took a part-time position working the front desk at the downtown YMCA in Green Bay. After two months of training, I am now able to work alone. My regular schedule will be one evening a week and part of a Friday/Saturday rotation. I am trying to quit working at Festival, but my boss has begged me to continue on Sunday evenings because they need someone over age 18 to slice meat. I am currently trying to weigh my options and figure out finances. Sometimes changes take time.
With the changeover in the office, I did also recently change my regular days in the office. Instead of Tuesday and Wednesday, I have been working Tuesday and Thursday 9 – 2. That works out better with the office schedule and with scheduled evening meetings. I do also continue to drive up to the church on Mondays or Wednesdays as needed and am available by phone, text, or email.
Blessings to you and yours as we begin 2024 together!
Pastor Beth
920-562-2853
