Contributed by Christopher Thomas, Chief Administrative Officer

It’s the reality of the new day that has already dawned. The world of social media has increased exponentially how many lives we can touch with a single keystroke, and yet our message has to be so streamlined and concise as to fit on the head of a pin, at 140 characters or less (in the world of Twitter). Phrases get reduced to abbreviations that become part of our common folklore and dialect.

If you play in the social media world, I can easily imagine where you thought I was going with ‘WTF!’ And there may be a bit of that sentiment, but what I am really thinking is ‘What’s this fear?’

I’ve been a part of the Transfiguration community now for three or so months, and I have made it a point to immerse myself in the fabric of this place, attending different groups, committees and educational opportunities. I love listening to the stories – they are multiple, varied, and demonstrate the depth and breadth of the body of Christ that is active and alive in this place.  As far as I’m concerned, these are the stories of a faith community on a journey headed toward the call that God through Jesus Christ has placed on all our lives – to seek and serve Jesus Christ in ALL persons. I can assure you, from everything that I hear and witness, transformations are happening in big and small ways daily at Transfiguration.

But here’s the curious thing that I also hear.  Someone usually makes at least a passing reference to fear. When I hear the word ‘fear,’ it always makes me want to probe a little deeper.   What are we afraid of? After all, it is an interim time, right, and so we aren’t sure how things will work out or if the finances are ok, or if will we like the new rector, or if she/he will like us, or any of a number of other things that could possibly happen.

So I come back to ‘WTF,’ what’s this fear? The reality of what I see as a new set of eyes in your community is an amazing place FULL of God’s remarkable grace-filled abundance that is actively doing God’s work in the world. As far as I can see, you’re not waiting for someone to come tell you everything’s going to be ok. Rather, you are out there, all around, being Christ’s hands and feet in the world, living out your baptismal covenant and the Great Commission.

We just finished what by any standard would be considered a remarkable observation and celebration of the great hope of our faith, and that is that for EVERY Good Friday there is ALWAYS an Easter Sunday. It happens without fail, not because of us but in spite of us. As Christ-followers, we are a resurrection people who stake that claim in every aspect of our lives.

If you hear someone bring up the subject of fear in connection with Transfiguration, chances are pretty good that transformation is on the way.

What are you afraid of?