Interim times present opportunities for transformation and renewal, but these kinds of changes are no easier for us than they were for Nicodemus. 

Change brings Nicodemus to Jesus.  

He can see God at work in Jesus in a new way, “no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person” (John 3:2d).

Jesus says Nicodemus must be born from above. But spiritual rebirth, transformation from one state of being to another, is beyond human control.

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. –John 3:8

When by faith we are open to rebirth in the Spirit, we transcend our own human limitations, as Nicodemus does.  But as Jesus explains, these transformations are like being born all over again, like being born from above.  

The Spirit leads us forward in the life-long process of transformation and spiritual rebirth–change born of the Spirit neither by our own choice nor according to our own timing.   

Times of change, of Spirit-led transformation, are uncomfortable, distressing, moving us from the familiar comforts we know to the new life God brings into being through us.  

During this time of transition, I pray St. Paul’s will seek to remain open and active. An active church is an attractive church, a quality pastoral candidates are looking for, a sign the congregation is ready to join with a new Pastor as they follow the same Spirit that brings them together.

Though it may seem otherwise, this time of transition for St. Paul’s is a gift. St. Paul’s is given the opportunity to follow the Spirit, which will transform us as it transformed Nicodemus.  

He was not the same, neither will we be. What this means for St. Paul’s, I can’t say.

The wind blows where it chooses.