Beyond Our Sightline

I am sitting on the balcony of a hotel in Newport Beach, California looking out over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It is vast. It goes all the way to the horizon. And I know from experience it extends way beyond my sightline.

The water is calm with several container ships in the distance waiting for their turn to unload at the docks further north in Long Beach.

In my mind, in some small way the Pacific Ocean is a visible metaphor for God. We know God is vast and is present way beyond our sightline. As the container ships travelled east from Asia, the ocean was all around them, carrying them to their next destination. As we move forward at St. Stephen’s to build the foundation for the next chapter in our journey together, we know God is all around us carrying us onward.

Pastor Jason’s departure for his new career adventure has generated some unknowns for our congregation. Yet, God is with us. Our Synod has already supplied resources to help us find an interim pastor to provide spiritual continuity over the months ahead. At the same time the congregation Council is moving forward to select the members of the Call Committee that will form at the beginning of next year to start the search for a permanent pastor.

Isaiah 41:10 speaks to us at this moment.

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you; I will help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God is with us. Rest assured of His presence. Praise be to God!

Bob Linderman