What an amazing year. Some of you have experienced great joy and some of you have experienced great sorrow. Many of you have reached new pinnacles of success and some of you have found yourself deep in failure. One thing is certain, nothing remains the same. Life is always changing..
The biblical writer of Ecclesiastes perhaps said it best when he wrote,” to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” As humans we are inclined to think in two extremes, either the good times will last for ever or the bad times will last forever. Once we gain a little perspective, however, we come to understand that neither the good times nor the bad times continue forever.
There is another dimension that is often overlooked in the “changing of the seasons of life” and that is the time period called transition. Our world is currently experiencing a time of transition. Transition is an “in between state”. It is a time when we realize that what ever period we were in is not going to continue, or indeed has already moved on. Transition is a time when we can see the past and the future in the same glance. The past is close enough, yet slipping away, and some form of the future is taking its place.
Times of transition can be very unsettling. The benchmarks that we once thought were certain are becoming unclear. In today’s time of transition we hear talk of potential job losses, homes being foreclosed, automobiles and "toys" being reposed and other talk of doom and gloom. It is no wonder we feel unsettled, out of place, anxious or even frightened.
On a daily basis we are bombarded by media reports which often use the sensational to garner headlines. These same media reports are often speculative and some times accurate. Often it is heard to discern the difference. Again our anxiety level rises.
Times of transition can also be used as a time of evaluation. When the things we take for granted are no longer there, we can be bold and begin to ask ourselves and each other questions about what is really important in our lives. We can search our hearts and re-evaluate our priorities. We can get back to basics.
Getting back to basics is at the heart of every sports team success. When a team practices the basics, you can be certain their fundamentals are in line. Accurately working the fundamentals, the basics, is the basis of a solid foundation. Trick plays and fancy plays can come and go, but the basics are the basics, the fundamentals are the fundamentals. The game of life is not won by fancy plays or even trick plays, but by majoring on the fundamentals.
In period of transition in our world’s economic system we would like to invite you to journey with us back to the basics. There are fundamentals to Christianity, which, when mastered and implemented have the ability to drastically reduce stress, anxiety, worry and fear. We would like to invite you to take a journey with all of us here at All nations Church as we explore the ancient, basic biblical concept of simplicity.
Beginning on January 25, 2009 hundreds of us will be gathering together to discover the power of learning to live more simply. Using small group gatherings, DVD’s and workbooks, and supported by Sunday Morning messages we will begin the process of understanding what it means to live a simple life.
The Freedom of Simplicity is a seven week series designed to help you live a fuller, more stress free life. It is designed to teach you the bible and the bibles principals for living well, in a complex world.
You can maximize your learning experience by planning to attend each of the seven Sundays and participating in a weekly Small Group discussion and study.
By participating in The Freedom of Simplicity you will find yourself spiritually prepared for the new season that is fast approaching.
Sign up for this small group series today. This is the best material and personal care we at All Nations can provide for you. Do not let this opportunity slip by. Sign up today at the Small Groups booth in the foyer of Fraser auditorium, Laurentian University any Sunday morning. They can answer any questions you may have. You can get more information and/or sign up for materials by calling 705.673.6110 after January 5Th, 2008. or check the website at www.allnationschurch.ca/smallgroups
To quote song writer Bob Dylan, ‘The times they are a chaingin.” We want you be prepared for what ever changing times may be ahead.
1 comment:
Wow . Thanks Jeremy.
I will post this and promote this and help out however I can.Voluntary simplicity ,The Catholic Workers Movement, Teilhard de Chardin, Matthew Fox have all been influences on my Green thinking and values. I am pleased as punch and hopeful to see this work unfold as we learn to live in the garden again.
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