That question \u2018What now?\u2019 comes up quite regularly, especially when things are going from bad to worse and it seems like you can\u2019t cut a break. I know I\u2019ve given voice to that question out of frustration on numerous occasions. Likewise, when it comes to the twist and turns that we have to negotiate during the COVID 19 season, I have found myself saying \u2018What now?\u2019, especially when another set of restrictions or risk mitigation by-laws are instituted. I am can\u2019t help but sigh loudly when the volumes of cleaning regulations come down the line.<\/p>\n
The CCUC Leadership Team face the same question \u2018What now?\u2019 when we consider our future. \u2018What now God?\u2019 How do we move into the future you have for us given this disruption and redirection of what it means to be the church. Now scattered but gathered online and on the phone but soon to be face-to-face again. The question is an important one – so that we do not waste this moment and just return to a normal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I want to acknowledge, that for some, this time of isolation and separation has been a real struggle. Nevertheless, there are so many good things that are happening! People have found new online skills, others have had family bring technology to them to be included in the \u2018online gathered community\u2019. Families and individuals who have been \u2018past\u2019 or \u2018loosely connected members\u2019 have been engaged in our online presence. From week to week we have had as many 1500 and as few as 600 check out our services and at least a third watching it live or at a later date. This includes friends and relatives as far away as Canada, South Australia, Townsville, Ingham and even East Innisfail. Strong connections have been forged across the breadth of the congregation. There are \u2018over the phone\u2019 bible studies and an \u2018online streamed eCourse study\u2019 happening called TNT.<\/p>\n \u2018What now?\u2019 is such and important question for us as a church as we consider what Jesus is calling us to as a church and also as individuals. This Sunday I am going to have a go at this question from a particular viewpoint in my message. The title of the message is actually \u2018What am I going to do?\u2019 but it comes out of the same stable. Like our question \u2018What now?’ this question can be asked out of frustration or out of desire to pursue that which Jesus has in mind for us to pursue.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t know about you – but I want to be found doing the thing that Jesus has in mind to do. When Jesus returns I\u2019d like to be found running after Jesus rather than running after my own show. Even before he returns I\u2019d like to be found running after Jesus. I guess this is the first part of the answer to the question \u2018What now?\u2019 or \u2018What am I going to do?\u2019. Run after Jesus. First and foremost pursue Jesus without reservation. When you do this you\u2019ll find yourself doing what Jesus had in mind and that the frustration has diminished or disappeared completely.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My friends I am convinced that there is an exciting future emerging out of these days. I believe God can use all things for good.\u00a0 <\/span>I believe that God is good and his plans for us are good. We can join Him or make up our own alternate plan – God will respect both decisions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n