“See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” 

(Isaiah 43:19 NIV)

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”  

(Revelation 21:5a NIV)

            We are so excited to be in Kewanee and to begin ministry with you.  We have all had a long and difficult journey through the Covid-19 pandemic, but our God has been faithful in bringing us through.  As I have said through this whole ordeal, “The Church never closed!  God is still on the throne!”  We had to find some new ways

to do things but thank God for creativity and ingenuity that made it possible to stay connected and growing through it all.

            Our God is ALL about transformation.  God makes all things new!  The United Methodist Mission Statement is “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”  Sometimes when I read that I think the world is a very BIG place.  We certainly want to see the world transformed, but we have to begin by bringing transformation in the lives of people right where we are.  So, how are we seeing this happen through the lives of the people and ministries at Kewanee First UMC?

            As we begin our ministry here, I want to acknowledge that I am aware that most people don’t like change.  I agree that change for the sake of change is usually not productive.  Remember New Coke?  But change that happens for a purpose and with a positive outcome can be very helpful.  I shared recently that if people had resisted the change that brought us automobiles, we would still be riding in buggies pulled by horses. 

The beautiful butterfly is a good example of positive change.  In order for a butterfly to emerge, the caterpillar first has to go into the cocoon or chrysalis stage.  An amazing metamorphosis takes place where the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly.  I have been involved in Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis for over thirty years and have seen some dramatic transformations happen in the lives of people.  I pray that the good people of Kewanee First UMC will be open to positive, productive change as we work together for the building of God’s Kingdom here.  Any changes that happen will begin with prayer and direction from the Holy Spirit, and then will be carried out through the proper channels in the church.

I am looking forward to our ministry together.  I hope you all will join me in praying for God’s direction as we begin this journey and please join us in worship on Sunday as we praise and lift up the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I will see you there!

In Jesus’ Love,

Pastor John