There have been many metaphors for a time of transition and change, some of them positive and some of them not so positive.
“A new broom sweeps clean”: Of course this suggests that the ‘old’ broom has worn out and is no longer functioning in its fullest capacity. Such brooms sit in the back of our cupboards neglected, as we relish the efficiency and effectiveness of the new broom. And I guess this is appropriate at times, but not for us today at Kawana Waters Uniting Church.
“Turning the page” and “writing a new chapter” or “wiping the slate clean”: As a person who is fascinated by the stories we tell and the stories we live by, such metaphors certainly excite me more. I have studied the notion of a life story and find it fascinating how it impacts how we live our lives. And while a church has its own life story – shared amongst its congregational family, the thought that it is a series of disconnected chapters does not appeal, anymore than sweeping does.
“Time to turn over a new leaf”: The Cambridge dictionary informs me, that this is suggestive of starting to behave or live in a better way, and the Collins dictionary adds that we might start acting in a more acceptable way, neither of which sits at all well in this particular instance.
It really seems that we need a new metaphor, a metaphor that is suggestive more of building upon than starting over, of growth and development and excitement rather than tearing down and starting again.
I went to a funeral today and heard again the verse by Robert Fulgham, “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten”. So what if, as a church approaching a ‘changing of the guard’, we paraphrase and say, “All we really need to know, we learned in Sunday School”. What would that look like?
Be kind. (Ephesians 4:32)
Be friendly and accept all comers. (1 Peter 3:8)
Embrace the changes and renew your mind (Romans 12:2)
Get on board (Romans 8:28)
Get ready to sing a new song (Psalms 40:3)
Be glad (Acts 2:46)
Get excited (Romans 8:11)
Listen carefully (Acts 8:6)
Finally, there is one lesson that Robert Fulgham shared from his kindergarten days that is also very appropriate for us, and I paraphrase this lesson by blending it with the poem the we heard Barb quote on Sunday – ‘The Gate of the Year’ or ‘God knows’ (you can re-acquaint yourself with this touching poem on our prayer page):
“And no matter how old we are, or how long we have been part of the family at Kawana Waters Uniting Church, when we step forth, holding each others’ hand and finding the hand of God, He will lead us towards the hills and the breaking of a new day.”
It is a new year and we have a new shepherd at Kawana. The Spirit is moving!
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
