Herron Over these past two months I've gotten to experience a different environment in the Deer Creek area from that of southeast Iowa - from small city to small town/rural; from fresh air and sunshine to "nature's fresh air and breezy winds; from a long stretch of traffic lights to one or two flashing lights; from "polite" conversation to friendly embraces.

I once heard someone say that the only thing that remains constant in our lives is change. As I have added a few years to my life (i.e. gotten older) I realize the truth of that statement. You see, just about the time I think I have my life pretty well figured out, something changes. Why a year ago I don't think I would have imagined moving to Indiana. But change happens. And even though the transition can be a time of disruption and chaos, our faith reminds us that God is there - even in the surprising changes of life. And we are blessed. In Ephesians 11:1 we read: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

The writer of Hebrews then describes the ways God has been present in the lives of the faithful. It's a wonderful retelling of the story of faith in the midst of the changes of history. Hebrews 13:8 states: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." These words are a good reminder that even in the midst of change the one constant is Christ!

These months of May and June are particularly filled with changes - graduations, weddings, relocations, retirements, etc. This can be an extremely stressful time. And yet, if we believe in the neverfailing promises of God, we do not go through these changes alone. For not only are we surrounded by the community of the faithful at the Deer Creek Church, whose presence helps us to embrace whatever those changes might be, but we are also upheld by our faith in a God whose presence is unending and complete.

The winds of change will always be with us. But more importantly, so will our God. Yesterday. Today. Forever.

Thanks be to God! Dave Herron is pastor at Deer Creek Presbyterian Church.