Welcoming the New with Joy
Like millions, I watch the giant ball drop in Times Square, New York City, each year as it dramatically pronounces a new beginning with loud horns and cheers, kisses, and endless confetti. Newness brings with it a spirit of change, as we welcome in new possibilities and release the patterns and practices that no longer fully serve us. In the first seconds of the New Year, we declare a hope for personal improvement; new ways of being that will bring us more joy and peace in the coming year.
This New Year feels particularly special for us at Unity Center DC, as we celebrate a new season in our rich history. Our new location at St. Luke’s Mission Center brings with it an exciting makeover for the aging sanctuary, transforming it to match the new energy and spirit now filling it weekly. A new transitional ministry specialist will soon ready us for a new minister to advance our growth as we reach our loving arms out to the Glover Park neighborhood. For many in the congregation, some who have been a part of the church since its inception, there is a renewed hope that Unity Center DC will continue to grow and bring joy and peace to all of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Yet, newness does not make change inevitable. As with many of our resolutions to change some aspect or pattern in our physical lives, we quickly realize that our wishes require effort to fully come to life. Many of our personal resolutions fade through a return to old practices and routines. So too can our intentions for a growing and vibrant congregation can fade without a firm commitment to new ways of thinking and being.
Change can be difficult – more for some than for others. In it, we must release old, reliable practices and routines, many of which have provided security and comfort in their expected outcomes. New ways of being can disturb our sense of security. We may worry that, in the changes, we might lose the things that we love most about our church. Yet, many in our congregation have faced changes regularly since the very beginning of CoTH. They are our witnesses that each change the church has faced has only strengthened our identity and mission. We ride on their mighty shoulders, and their steadfast vision of what Unity Center DC is and can be.
We must remember the truth of our faith: The Holy Spirit always has our greatest and highest good in mind. In our Christ consciousness, change never destroys, but only enhances, only improves, and only for the single purpose of bringing us closer to our greatest and highest good.
Scripture reminds us that our anxiety about change may be a normal response, but one with an antidote. In Philippians, Paul writes:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8
What a perfect way to embrace each new way of being! By looking at what may be good and right about each new practice or approach to our ministry, by focusing on the excellent or praiseworthy, we can embrace change with great joy. As we trust our God who never destroys but only improves, we welcome in the new and realize our full potential as a congregation. May we hold firm to our joy as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to our greatest, highest being!
Blessings, Tom Workman
President, Board of Trustees
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