God Changes; We Change

As the new Editor of FAW magazine (same old Executive Director), I would like to impress you by seamlessly weaving together a number of themes and ideas in this first column. It is a nice thought, but it probably isn’t going to happen. I do want to tell you about the magazine themes for the year, say a word about the prophet Jeremiah, and introduce our writers to you. (If you can figure out a common theme, then I would like to talk with you about being our editor next year.)

Our Magazine Theme for the Year

In connection with FAW’s sponsorship of the Everything Must Change tour (see page 4), the magazine will focus on change. We will adapt FAW’s “Four Key Relationships” to do this. The Magazine will explore changes in…

•The way I relate to God (this issue)
•The way I relate to Myself and Others (Issue #2)
•The way I relate to my Work in the World (Issue #3)
•The way I relate to my Environment (Issue #4)

In this first issue you will find a number of articles about the transformations people have gone through as they seek to imagine God. And while I am clear that the church is not the same as God, I have included a few pieces on how the “Body of Christ” might change as well.

God Changes

I find it interesting that I am writing this on my way back from a conference that featured Barbara Brown Taylor and the distinguished Old Testament Scholar Walter Brueggeman. Brueggeman was speaking on the book of Jeremiah. It is an amazing narrative that portrays as much as any book inthe Bible God’s parental love for us. Like any parent, God is driven beyond frustration to full blown anger (Check out chapters 7-9). And then God changes, reconsiders and renews the covenant with Israel. If our God goes through changes in the way God relates to us, is it any wonder that we change in relationship to God?

Brueggeman also spoke of the way Jeremiah was able to use poetry to help the Israelites face into the dramatic changes in their country. The world had changed for them, and Jeremiah’s call was to help penetrate their numbness and denial of those changes. Until the Israelites could get beyond their denial, they could not see a new future that God offered. (Parallels to our country in 2008 did not go unnoticed.) Everything Must Change indeed.

This Year’s Writers

One of the fun things for me is to introduce this year’s regular writers to you. I am excited about the blend of new and familiar faces who will be reflecting on the above themes with you. I hope you enjoy these new writers and their articles. In the first section of the magazine, look for:

“Postcards from the Tour,” by Tiffany Montavon. Tiffany is our staff representation at the Everything Must Change Tour. She will be giving us updates and introducing us to some of the people she is meeting.

“Work in Progress,” written by Betsy Brink. Betsy and I did an email dialogue in these pages years ago (back when an ‘email dialogue’ was a new idea). She will be writing on work, life and faith.

“Applied Parenting,” by Rachelle Mee- Chapman. Rachelle will be reflecting on her call to parenting. She has recently moved to Copenhagen with her family where she will continue to parent and write.

“ElderCall,” written by different writers each issue. Each writer will reflect on the theme, and their call at this stage in life.

“Archives Alive,” written by various FAW staff members. FAW has been around a long time, operating in one way or another since the 1920’s. We have much to learn from the wisdom figures of Faith at Work. Each issue a member of our staff will share a reading from one of these past leaders, and reflect on its meaning for their life. In the second half of the magazine, look for:

“Ministry of the Church,” will feature stories and ideas celebrating the church’s role in equipping all of God’s people for ministry in the world.

“Called to Scripture,” by Sarah Maker Deyst. Sarah has served on FAW’s national board, pastored churches, and currently is busy with her two young girls. She will be writing this year’s relational bible studies.

“Film Pics,” by Cathy Barsotti and Rob Johnston and “Book Bites,” by David Davies. I am excited that these familiar writers return this year to highlight movies and books worth experiencing.

“And I Quote,” by Kayla McClurg. Kayla is a lover of quotes. Each issue she will pull out a few of her favorites on the issue theme.

You: Finally I want to introduce you as a potential writer for FAW Magazine. Look at our 2008 themes and think about your own story. If you feel called to write, do so. I cannot promise that we will publish it; I can promise you that the exercise of reflecting and writing will be worth it either way.

Doug Wysockey-Johnson is the Executive Director of Faith At Work. He, his wife Kathryn, their daughter Isabel Marie, and their son Soren William live in Richmond VT.