At that moment cheers can be heard, flashes go off from cameras, and in the next couple of days there are parties, gifts, and beach trips all indicating one has graduated. It is a marvelous time and one that notes accomplishment.

This time of graduation though also represents change. It is a time of moving forward, to some new experience and endeavor. Things will never be the same - - - Life changes!

It’s pretty easy to talk about life changes for those who are graduating. It is a time parents and young adults will be facing a whole new set of issues and in that will be a whole new set of freedoms. But as much as we may want to speak about changes going on for our graduates, change happens in all of our lives. Everyday we awaken; change occurs.

It may be subtle and have little impact on our daily routine but there are times when change happens and we face a whole new set of issues which causes strife and tension within our lives.

It is in those moments that our faith can speak and often bring comfort to the stress that is caused by this change. It is also the time when the community of faith should step forward and provide a place where one is comforted at the same time they are urged to cope and handle this change. As we approach this time of summer, our energy is often focused on a more laid back approach to life. And I hope all will have time this summer to experience some of that down time; to rejuvenate and reenergize your life. However, change happens all the time. My hope is if change is occurring for you, that you will discover a community here at Unity where you will be able to share those changes with others in worship, in other activities of your church community, in Sunday School classes, or in special trips and outings.

Christ’s ministry was always within the context of community. It was where he shared his ministry and that is exactly what our purpose should be as a church community. We are to be here, to share with each other the issues and changes that occur in our lives.

-Pastor Zimmerman