Although others have said similar things, Churchill is believed to be the originator of this thought. When I really think about this, it is actually a very profound statement. In a time of crisis, most of us are just scrambling to “get back to normal.” I find the desire for the “normal” to be a deep-seated desire in most of us. But a crisis often marks the end of adequacy for what has been “normal.” In fact, a crisis often results precisely because our “normal” simply no longer works. Thus, scrambling to restore it is an exercise in futility and can lead to disaster. In Laurence Gonzales’ book Deep Survival, he notes that knowing when to change our “normal” can make the difference between life and death. While he affirms the usual mantra of making a plan and using that plan, he also stresses that the crucial element can be knowing when to change that plan. In the face of a world war, Churchill demonstrated that kind of strategic leadership. And the world owes him a debt of gratitude for it.

The past 18 months have been a time of crisis for most of us. We wrestled with racial tension and a bruising election. We experienced personal losses and challenges. We weathered the most frigid weather that many of us can remember. And over all of it was the reality of COVID-19. In all previous times of challenge, the church has gathered together for worship and prayer. Suddenly, we were trying to create substitutes for those familiar, ancient, and powerful connections. Bethany’s staff rose to the occasion in a multitude of creative ways. While our campus was closed, our staff was working harder than ever.

In the midst of all that, our lay leadership asked us how we could use this crisis to make changes for the better. We went back to the work we had begun a few years ago and revisited much of it in light of the pandemic. While we are considering and making changes in numerous areas, the most immediate and obvious change is our Sunday morning schedule. After struggling for years to maintain the demanding schedule we had created, we decided to change to a schedule which would more effectively utilize our space, our staff, and our volunteers. Plus, it would create greater momentum in our discipleship area, especially for children and youth. You can find more at: New Sunday Morning Schedule (bethany-umc.org). We reached this decision after much research, consulting, discussion, and prayer. We are praying for all of Bethany to embrace this whole-heartedly and for God to bless it powerfully.

(On a personal note, Cindi and I are unpacking into our new home even as you read this. We have talked about downsizing into a one-story home for years and finally decided to get serious and do it. After 20 years in the same house, it is quite a task! But we are excited for the new possibilities it creates for us.)

COVID-19 has forever changed our world and understanding. We can let that be a worry and curse in our lives or we can seek God’s discernment as to how we still live in His blessing. We, your pastors, have chosen the latter. I look forward to starting this new adventure with you on August 14 and 15, when we begin our “Reconnect” series. Watch for more information as the time approaches. Let us not allow the crisis of COVID-19 to be wasted. Let us enter into the redemption of this crisis that God has planned.

Be Blessed,
Tom