I'm not really sure how or why these things happen.

My mother once told me that God is in control and things that happen "conveniently" are often his handiwork. For instance, she felt that just before her particular generation when she was going to grade school there were a lot of boys born, more than girls. And it turns out we needed them, as WW2 broke out and a lot of young men went off to war and died for our country. Maybe in 20 years our own young men, those 5 boys that were born, will be needed for some similar reason. I sure hope not! But it's an interesting thought.

I know there are less members around here lately, and more leaving later this year. The Mitchells and Romines and Poitras' have left, and the Murphys and others are short timers now. There have been many others, too, like Aaron and Rob and the Normans. If we sit down and think about it, our membership has shrank quite a bit and we could become pretty melancholy over that. And yet, maybe there's a reason for it.

When there are less members, there are even more opportunities for service. And what a coincidence, we are looking to add to the number of deacons we have! Maybe those who take on this role would have been shyer with larger numbers. Maybe this is their opportunity to grow, so they are prepared in the coming years when we swell once again. We will, too, and that's not just wishful thinking. My wife and I often consider this, having been members of larger churches where men had fewer chances because there are so many men to share the duties with. I would have never had the opportunities I have had here, and indeed even being members at other very active and living churches I have not. Even my wife has found ways to contribute that she might not have acted on in a larger congregation. Sometimes you have all those strong personalities to deal with, and you get a little trampled if you aren't assertive.

I don't like to see friends move away, either, but "change" is one of those things that never changes. Children grow up and start families of their own, and we are happy for them. People move in, too, and we appreciate them all the more. It swings both ways, and on occasions I have heard Mo or Bill talk about other times when membership has waxed or waned.

So take heart, and expect to see things happening from people who have much to give but might never have been nudged into the forefront otherwise. Maybe Dave will write a bulletin. Maybe Robert will preach a lesson, or teach a class. You think it won't happen, but hey, it just might. I'm not sure how or why but I know with the right encouragement, and with the right opportunities, it does!

Proof? Next week - a bulletin from a "newer member" who never wrote one before, and you will love it!!!

Randy