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Standing at the Crossroads

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by Cindy Waple

This weekend begins the in-person process of finding a new senior pastor for Elim. Don Rayman will be coming to meet with the elders and members of Elim. It will be our opportunity to “interview” him: to meet him and spend time with him, get to know him, ask him questions, and hear him preach. AND he will also be interviewing us. He will be meeting us and spending time with us, he will be getting to know us and asking us questions. He will hear us “preach”—actually, share—our thoughts about Elim, our past and present experiences of Elim, and our hope for Elim.

I recently was meditating on a passage, Jeremiah 6:16: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”

The context of this passage is wrath and destruction, but that is not why I chose it.

I chose it because we are at a crossroads and have been at a crossroads since Pastor Martin left. And I would say, even before Pastor Martin left. Change was coming. And we have been looking and asking the Lord, “What is the way You are calling Elim to go?” The elders and the Transition Team spent months exploring that question. And then COVID hit, then racial injustice issues, then reopening the church, then more COVID, then ramping up for the elections, and COVID is still with us and schools are not opening and Elim is trying to reopen, people are leaving, our leaders aren’t doing what we think they should do, and on it goes—and we still stand at a crossroads, looking and asking, “Which is the way to go?” And sadly, depending on who you ask, the answer is varied. Go this way—no, go this way—go my way—no, go that way. And now we stand at the crossroads, divided. More divided than I have experienced during my 18 years at Elim.

Another verse that I was reminded of is John 17:20-21:

My prayer is not for them alone. I (Jesus) pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent me.

Jesus, before His arrest and crucifixion, had one prayer for His followers, that they would be one. And then He adds, “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent me.”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we stand at a crossroads and we are looking and asking, “What is the way to go?” I believe with all my heart that there is only one way for us to go, and that is the way of Jesus. It is the way of love, grace, and mercy. It is the way of humility, surrender, and putting others before ourselves. It is the way of compassion, healing, and reconciliation. It is the way of saying, “Not my will, but Your will be done, Lord.” It is only as we seek to follow Jesus with all our hearts, as we seek to walk in His ways, will we find rest for our souls.

For me, and I pray for you as well, following the way of Jesus begins with examining my own heart and motives, then confessing and repenting of being led by my own pride and/or fear, of following my own agenda or the agenda of another on social media or the news, of judging and criticizing those I strongly disagree with (and for me, wanting to prove them wrong), of not loving well—first my brothers and sisters in Christ, and then those I adamantly disagree with (mostly people I don’t even know).

Following and walking in the way of Jesus means I am willing to come together with my brothers and sisters in Christ to lay aside our egos, agendas, latest reports, and stats supporting my opinion and humbly seek together God’s will and desire. To earnestly seek together to love God with all of our being and love one another, to be one in Christ and to truly desire to point others to Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Don Rayman will be interviewing Elim. And in this precious church, he will find people confused, hurt, and, yes, divided. But more importantly, I know he will find committed believers longing and desiring to follow and walk in the way of Jesus above anything or anyone else. And if Don is the man God is calling to Elim, then I pray his heart will join with ours and together we can walk toward love, healing, unity, and hope for a whole and vibrant church, walking in God’s truth, sharing the Gospel, and shining the light of Jesus’s love on South Hill. To God be the glory.

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Love Over Fear

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by Cindy Waple

I recently saw a church sign that read: With social distancing, practice love over fear, peace over panic. As Tina Turner famously asked, “What’s love got to do with it?” How can love help with fear and anxiety, especially fear associated with Covid-19?

According to the Bible, love has everything to do with all that is happening, before, during, and after Covid-19. Here are just a few reasons why I believe and cling to this truth.

First, God is love (1 John 4:8,16). God is the source of all unconditional love. Human conditional love is often earned and can be taken away. God loves each and every one of us not because we deserve it, but because it is who He is. There is nothing you or I can do to make God love us more, and there is nothing we can do to lose God’s love. It was because of His great love for us that God sent his Son to die (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10). Our human minds cannot even begin to fathom the depth of love God has for each of us! And in His grace and mercy, God has filled our hearts with His love by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

Second, there are two key transitional moments in the Bible where love is set as a primary imperative. In the book of Deuteronomy, Israel is about to enter the Promised Land, and leadership is changing from Moses to Joshua. Moses offers a farewell address to Israel exhorting them as they move forward to remember the commands and laws of God. He begins with the most important: Israel is to remember that God is one, He is the Lord. And next they are to love Him with all of their heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). My simple translation is this: If you remember nothing else, remember this: God is One, and love Him with all of your being!

Now, fast forward over a thousand years, and another key transition is about to take place. Jesus is observing Passover with His disciples. In a few hours He will be arrested and sent to the cross to die. As He finishes the Passover meal, and after Judas has left to betray Him, Jesus gives His disciples a new command: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).

Love is always important to God, and to Jesus, and forms the two greatest commands (Matthew 22:36-40). Love is essential during great transitions, such as we are in at Elim; and especially now in a world with Covid-19. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do I seek to live my life, first and foremost, from a place of unconditional love?

Lastly, we are reminded in 1 John 4:18 that “perfect love expels all fear.” And one of my favorite verses about love and fear reminds us that “with his [God’s] love, he will calm all your fears” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT). Love wins over fear. Why? I don’t know all of the reasons, but I do know that 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear.  But God has given us love.

I would prefer to focus on and live out what God has given me. Fear paralyzes, love frees. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow or the next week or month in this season of Covid-19, but I do know that no matter what happens, nothing will ever separate me from the unfailing, immeasurable love of God (Romans 8:35-39). Here is a beautiful truth about God’s love — He lavishes His love upon us. He fills us with His love, pushing out fear, anxiety and worry. And then we become the conduit of His love toward others, freely sharing what God has graciously given to us.

That is perhaps the greatest gift the Church has to offer the world during this pandemic — unconditional love that conquers fear! I do understand that during these uncertain times fear is a normal response. May we be encouraged, when fear does start to enter our minds, to hit the pause button and turn our attention to God’s love. Meditate on the love scriptures mentioned here, or others that bring you comfort. Let His great love for you and your love for Him flood your heart and soul. And in doing so, we will experience love over fear, and peace over panic.

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And What About Women’s Ministries?

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By Cindy Waple & Cheryl Weller

Transition continues at Elim. The Schlomers have departed, the McCoys have arrived, and the elders and staff are continuing the work of moving Elim into a new season. And what about Women’s Ministries, you may ask? Great question! We are excited to share the answer with you.

Kim Schlomer faithfully led Women’s Ministries for most of her tenure at Elim. However, over the past couple of years, Kim had been sensing it was time for changes to be made within this valuable ministry. Her heart’s desire was to see women growing as passionate disciples of Christ, to see women connecting with other women in meaningful and transforming ways, and to see women developed as leaders. God was giving Kim a vision for the future of women’s ministry. And like Moses, the vision involved her to a certain point, and then it was time for her to step down and for other leaders to continue this work.

Building on Kim’s vision, we desire to design and implement a ministry that invests in, equips, and empowers our women to minister to women within Elim as well as women in our communities. We deal with hard life issues and often feel alone or isolated. We long to be connected, to feel that we belong. We desire to be heard, to feel valued and supported, to have a place to turn when we need help. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, we envision our women continuing to grow as passionate disciples of Christ, bearing witness to His unfailing love for all, and living out the gospel as we companion with one another, loving and encouraging each other as we share life, with all its joys and sorrows. We have amazing and wonderful women in our Elim community, and we all have something to offer one another—regardless of one’s age or stage.

That is a big vision and big desire! But our God is able, and we are trusting Him to provide all that is needed for this to develop. Our first steps have been to begin praying and discerning not just good ideas, but God’s ideas, for how this ministry will take shape. We have

connected with a few women who served most recently on the Women’s Ministries team and/or expressed an interest to Kim to be involved. We are researching current trends within women’s ministry and are beginning to talk with women within Elim about their interest and desire to engage with this ministry.

So, what happens in the meantime? Will there be any events for women? Yes, there will be, but it will not be a full offering, partially because of the transition and rebuilding, but also because it is summer. Rebekah McKenzie hosts a time of connection for all women on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. at Cool Bean Espresso. A few other plans are being worked on. Watch the newsletter for all upcoming opportunities for women.

Are you interested in joining us? If so, please reach out to one or both of us. We would love to talk with you and hear your heart and desire for ministering to women. And we would ask all—women and men—to pray for this ministry and its leaders. We trust God to bring to fruition His plans and His vision for this important ministry, and we are excited to join Him in His great work.

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The Bread of Life Never Grows Stale

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AdventBy Cindy Waple 

The Bread of Life never grows stale. I saw this recently on a church sign and thought what a wonderful message for the Advent season. Advent, which means “coming,” is the season of preparation to celebrate Jesus’s birth, in whom all of God’s promises are fulfilled. In addition, it is a time to celebrate Christ’s coming into our own lives as our Savior and Lord and to prepare and await His second coming.

Advent is like an icebreaker—those large ships built to cut through the ice on the frozen Arctic waters. Advent breaks through the onslaught of the economic-driven and worldly messages of Christmas that promise happiness by receiving the right gifts being offered now at the lowest prices of the season. Advent also breaks through the familiarity and rote traditions, bringing a new and fresh vision of God’s faithfulness. Advent breaks through empty messages and unrealistic expectations of a Pinterest-perfect Christmas with the enduring truth that the sovereign, holy, almighty God of the universe, our Creator, because of His immeasurable love for us, took on the form of man and came to dwell among us—Emmanuel, God-with-us. Advent invites each one of us to step out of the holiday-prep-merry-go-round and take time to stop and pause, to consider afresh with eager expectation the gift of Christ.

Here are a few ideas and practices that Brian and I engage in during Advent. First, be intentional and make space for God and those opportunities that are energizing and life-giving, not life-draining. Try to under-schedule your time this season, rather than over-scheduling. Take time for Advent devotions and perhaps schedule a half-day (or full-day) retreat. A friend and I did this recently using a guided Advent-retreat resource. It was a wonderful time of rest and perspective shaping as we worshipped, prayed, read Scripture, and spent time in silence, listening and reflecting. This is a great way to slow down and cherish the Good News of Christmas.

Second, I have been captivated by the idea of “one thing.” During this season of many lists—to do lists, wish lists, gift lists, and so on—I am encouraged by David in Psalm 27:4, where he writes: One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple. There was only one thing David wanted—to be with the Lord and enjoy the beauty of His presence. What if that was the only thing on all our lists? Or what if that was the first thing on our lists? I wonder how long (or possibly short) our lists would be if that was our primary focus.

Lastly, the greatest way to enter into Advent, to prepare our hearts, to break through the hype and ward off staleness, is to consider Christ Himself. What do you really need the most this Christmas? What is going on in your heart?

  • Are you struggling, disappointed, or tired of the trials and the hardness of life? Isaiah 61 reminds us that Christ “comforts the brokenhearted.”
  • Are you grieving a loss—loss of a loved one, a job, health, or a relationship, or a loss that comes from change and transition? Jesus promises a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:3).
  • Is your hope diminished because of unanswered prayers for healing, for prodigals, nagging sin, the lack of transformed lives? In Christ, we have been born into a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). He is our sure and steadfast anchor (Hebrews 6:19).
  • Are you tired and weary? Christ is our Strength, our Refuge, our Rock (Psalm 62:5-8).
  • Are you in need of peace? He is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
  • Are you in need of love? His love for us is inexhaustible. (Ephesians 3:17-18).

This is a list that, thankfully, goes on and on. Here is the truth—whatever your deepest and greatest need, it is found only in Christ.

In a few weeks, the tree and lights will come down, the credit card bills will begin to arrive, and the gym will be overly crowded for a week or two as we try to hold to our resolution to finally lose weight. Christmas will be over, but the truth of Christ will not. We have Him and His promises into eternity. With our focus on the one thing, the only thing that is necessary (Luke 10:42), the Bread of Life will never grow stale. This Advent season, may your heart be renewed and refreshed as you ponder the good news of Christ, and “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13.

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Freedom in Christ

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by Cindy Waple

This week we paused to celebrate Independence Day. It is on this day we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States were gained for us during the Revolutionary War and continue to be secured for us by the men and women serving in the military today.

We, as Americans, do enjoy great freedoms including the right to openly practice our Christian faith. One only needs to listen to the news to know that this freedom is not experienced by Christians throughout the world – there are many countries where openly proclaiming the name of Jesus and/or the Gospel will result in excommunication from family, imprisonment and even death.  We must never take for granted our freedom nor forget it came only at great cost and sacrifice.

But, as Christian’s we enjoy a freedom that far exceeds our rights and privileges as Americans. As Christians we have a freedom that also came at a great cost and sacrifice. However, this freedom was not born out of the ideology of men but rather out of love – the love God has for each of us.

Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. (Galatians 5:1, 13 NIV).

It is important that we understand exactly what we are free from. First and foremost, I am free from the penalty of sin. I live knowing that I am fully forgiven and accepted by God and that my future is secured and sealed in Christ. That is the truth and joy of the Gospel.

However, our freedom in Christ is not just for the future – it also has implications for today. For in addition to being free from the penalty of sin, we are also free from fear, worry, pride, jealousy and envy. We are free from the need for acceptance and the praise of men and women; we are free from the need for success, power and even perfection.  We are free from everything and anything that keeps us from loving God and living fully in the abundant life that is ours in Christ.

How do we live in this freedom? We begin with a simple prayer of desire –  Lord, You created me to live in freedom. May Your Holy Spirit guide me to follow You freely.  Instill in my heart a desire to know, love and trust You more each day. Amen.

Happy Independence Day – today and every day after!

 

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Assimilation

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by Cindy Waple

Assimilation:

The Difference Between Attending and Belonging

Assimilation may be a big word, but it simply means successfully integrating people into a new environment. For Elim, “assimilation” means welcoming newcomers with the love of Christ and providing a process to become active members of our community — where they can know God, grow with others in Christ and go and serve South Hill and beyond.

As the Strategic Planning Team discerned our five strategic objectives for the next 1-5 years (communication, assimilation, spiritual transformation, community, and holistic outreach), we affirmed the importance of making every visitor feel welcome and having a process in place where newcomers can move from simply attending Elim to actually belonging as vital, functioning members of our community. This process includes not just greeting, but following up with visitors; introducing them to leadership at Elim and providing opportunities to learn about Elim’s vision and mission; assessing spiritual gifting and strengths; helping them join small group communities where they can continue to grow in Christ; and facilitating them serving in ministries that are in line with their gifting and calling.

For visitors who have not received Christ, we want to provide every opportunity for them not just to hear the Gospel and learn about Christ, but also to experience His love and grace through the body at Elim.

Much of what happens around assimilation is already taking place within Elim: visitors are greeted and engaged by the leaders and members as well as invited to small groups, Bible studies, Pulse, etc. However, the assimilation ministry will provide an intentional process to engage visitors and newcomers, ensuring that every visitor receives a proper welcome.

Mark and Barb McCullough have graciously agreed to lead this important ministry and are looking for those who would like to join them as this ministry forms. If you feel called to this ministry we invite you to contact Mark and Barb.

We are excited about the assimilation ministry that is forming! However, it is important to note that each of us has a role to play. We all have the responsibility of welcoming visitors when we see them on Sunday morning, and reaching out to them, perhaps even inviting them to your small group or Bible study. As we share Christ’s love with newcomers and welcome them into the community at Elim, not only will we see lives touched and transformed by God’s Spirit, but we also will be transformed.

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