Yes, I’ve actually said that. For most of my life, making a pie would involve checking through cookbooks to locate my favorite recipes. Lately I find myself taking the easy way out. A quick google of apple pie (or whatever suits my fancy at that moment) brings up a whole series of recipes. Scanning through them, I can choose what I like, adapt it a bit, and I’m off to the kitchen. What would Grandma think?

Our world changes so rapidly. What Grandma thought, how our parents thought, how we look at the world, and how our grandchildren think – differences between the generations may be more marked than ever. And, that’s not bad. Times change and we adapt.

Our churches also change. Grandma worshipped in a little white church where the worshippers and their service were all German. My parents worshipped in a congregation of close-knit families, where the service followed an age-old liturgy, albeit in English. My adult life was spent in congregations that welcomed worshippers of all backgrounds. Liturgies were varied; the organ was supplemented with keyboards, guitars, brass, drums and recorded accompaniments. Men and women could now read the lessons and assist at communion, Women could even vote! (Yes, hard to believe, but at the time that last one was a biggie.)  

What will the church of our grandchildren look like? We may never know, but I think it’s safe to say that it will be different. The change may seem foreign to me, but quite ordinary to a new generation. (Mmmh, will I respond like Grandma who rued the day when the service changed from German to English?)

One thing has never changed – the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes the Gospel was preached in German. The Gospel was preached in the most conservative services. The Gospel was preached when the music became contemporary. And, the Gospel will be preached when our grandchildren gather for worship as well.

In whatever the worship setting, you can continue to welcome your loving Father into your heart. He loves you. He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8