Editor New Beginnings
I will be the first to admit that I don’t like change. I like my schedules, my job, and my grocery store. I know where everything is in the grocery store and make my grocery lists in that order. When our grocery store changed their layout several months ago, I was lost for weeks. Change can be hard. It looks different, sounds different, and navigation can be tough.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been full of change for everyone. Not only did I start working from home but I became a homeschool teacher to our 8-year old daughter. I then had to learn to juggle everything from home. Church went to online services as you know and while I missed the fellowship, I did have the opportunity to “visit” other churches.
This ARP magazine issue was supposed to cover the June meeting of Synod at Bonclarken. Another BIG change.
It has been a blessing to see God at Work in this denomination through the Covid-19 pandemic. I have seen so many creative ways churches have reached, not just church members, but the community as well. On page 24, there are a few examples.
Change can lead to new beginnings. This time has allowed me to step back and look at the purpose of The ARP Maga- zine and
ARPnews.org. The ARP Magazine is a snapshot of the denomination and a way to keep the denomination connected by sharing devotions, news, and testimonies.
ARPnews.org is a blog to “Inform and Inspire” you as an ARP.
ARPnews.org has made a change by adding themed days. Mondays are “Mission Monday” which includes notes from the Moderator along with Outreach North America, and World Witness. Giving Tuesday includes items on stewardship and Worship Wednesday includes items from the Committee on Worship and Women’s Ministries. Theological Thurs- day will be from different ARP Ministers and Fun Fact Friday is wide open to interesting facts and videos! I hope you will join me on this fun adventure to knowing our denomination better and growing in our knowledge of Jesus along the way. Encourage your entire congregation to sign up through
ARPnews.org or download The ARP app!
I pray for each of you as you begin new things outside of the pandemic and what becomes our new “normal.” I pray for those that have been affected by the shutdown. I pray that you will share your stories, testimonies, and ideas with me.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corin- thians 4:16-17).
Susan Tanner Director of Communications
arpeditor@arpsynod.org
July/August 2020 31
Photo taken by Reverend Matthew Holst, pastor of Shiloh Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
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