Dear Friends in Christ, "What's new?" people will ask. Sometimes we have an answer. Sometimes, it's "Same old, same old". Sometimes we like new things: a new outfit, a new TV, a new job! And sometimes we prefer old, familiar things: an old friend, an old pair of jeans, an old recipe. Sometimes we long for new faces and new voices in politics. Sometimes we prefer the old. Life and faith always create a bit of tension between old and new, between the familiar and the unknown, between the past and the future. We always need a mix of old and new!

One of the last promises in the Bible (Revelation 21:5) has God declaring: "See, I am making all things new!" This is after we learn that "death is no more" and that "mourning, crying, and pain" are no more; and that God has come to dwell with God's people!

We're celebrating St. John's 160th anniversary this year! Some of the good old ways of worshipping and doing ministry and being church together have served well. Others-not so much! God keeps blessing us with new people, with new life, with new beginnings. That's where our hope for the church (and for the nation and world) lies! God is good at doing new things. God has practice doing new things! And then it's on us to try to see what God is up to, so we can play our part in the new future God is creating!

As a congregation, we're always trying to find that mix between old and new. One ongoing challenge for every church is how to help the next generation have a living and growing faith in Christ Jesus; and a living and growing relationship with the church of Christ.

So what new ideas do we have for reaching and teaching (and learning from) young people?

We've found we can offer online worship-which has its benefits and limitations. How can we be more of a 'hybrid' church, that can gather and grow together in different ways?

How can we serve in and connect with our community in new ways? 160 years ago, a church was often at the center of community life. Not so much anymore! How can church be a sanctuary for the weary in these days? And a source of life and hope for people?

And 160 years ago, people weren't too worried about God's good creation. But these days, the pressure on the planet, and on natural resources, and on persons and all living things is so much greater. How can we as church help renew God's creation? Are we ready for a community garden? Could we envision a solar project here? How can we be the Church of Stewards that we are committed to be?

Questions are usually easier than answers. But going into our 161st year, let's be pondering, asking, and discussing and imagining what kinds of new things God might be trying to do among us and through us! It is promising to hear and believe: "Behold, I am making all things new!" -Pastor Paul