Mar 05, 2026 -"the times they are a-changin"

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone

If your time to you is worth savin'

And you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'

The times they are a-changin’…  These words of Bob Dylan remind us that this Sunday we “Spring Ahead” one hour as we enter into Daylight Savings Time.  If you forget to move your clocks ahead Saturday night, you will arrive at church Sunday morning just in time to join us for coffee.

The times they are a-changin’…  Last Saturday war broke out in the Middle East.  Israel and the US dropped bombs on Iran killing their Supreme Leader and many of his associates.  Iran responded and the world seems to be teetering towards all-out war.  The result is that gas prices are soaring (while Danielle is rejoicing) and many of us are filled with dread and fear wondering how, and at what cost, will this conflict come to an end.  Although both Israel and the US are trying to frame this as a Holy War that is focused on rooting out evil and ushering in freedom, it appears to be much more of an act of aggression, and a political distraction, than an act of faith.  And in the face of all this, we are called to pray and work for shalom, peace and justice.

The times they are a-changin’…  At our congregational AGM last Sunday we celebrated a successful year as we looked back at 2025.  And as we embrace this year and the days ahead, clearly the church is entering a period of transition.  I will be retiring the end of June and people are already expressing their deep gratitude for my ministry here at MWUC.  On the horizon, William Brook will be joining the congregation as the new minister this coming August.  In this time of transition we are called to look with anticipation and excitement as the future of MWUC unfolds, and times they are a-changin’.

Shalom,

Rev. Dr. Dale Johnson