O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquillity the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were being cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer p. 528).
This prayer is from the liturgy for ordinations in the Book of Common Prayer, and it always moves me when I hear it.
Let the whole world see and know that things which were being cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new.
If you have received an email from me directly, you have probably seen the quote from hymn writer and poet Brian Wren I have in my email footer:
One of the oldest things we know about God is that God is always doing new things.
From Let there be light! in the first chapter of Genesis to the ending of Revelation: Behold, I am making all things new; from Isaiah’s ancient prophecy: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? to St.Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians: If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation—Our God is always doing new, unexpected, mighty, wonderful things.
As we wrap up plans for the program year kick-off at this Sunday’s 10 AM combined worship, I’m thinking of how many cycles of birth and re-birth, how many “new things” St. Andrew’s has been through since its founding. For the past 125 years, God has always been the leader of this parish. For the past 125 years, God has always raised up disciples who faithfully and diligently pray, sing, and work together, so that God’s name might be glorified and the work of God’s Kingdom on earth might be accomplished.
God is doing new things right here, right now, and I can’t wait to see how the next year (and the next decade) unfolds. I am blessed to be on this journey with you—traveling on a sea of love with a thankful heart!
Thank you and may God bless you all,Keith+
