During recent travels, there was Warrenville school billboard sign that says welcome Kindergarten Class of 2036. My initial reaction was it feels like we just began 2023 and trying to grasp the remainder of this year. Can you imagine just thinking about 2024, let alone 2036? This Class of 2036 are part of the “Gen Alpha” group born between 2013 and 2025.
There is so much that will take place for the “Gen Alpha” between those developing years and into the next decade. Their parents are primarily from Generation Z (born 1996-2012) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) and we know how things have changed for this group from the Greatest Generation (1901-1927), Silent Generation (1928-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964) to Generation X (1965-1980)!
We may see on those unique and rare occasions a rotary or push-button landline phone along with a “White Pages or Yellow Pages” telephone book. The cell phone/watch technology gives options to speak into the phone and call “the person’s name.” Another change is sending a text instead of mailing a note or letter.
Living in a super-fast paced technological environment that is increasingly becoming more advanced, we should be concerned that the Gen Alpha will experience climate changes with temperatures that will be warmer than ever in the past. We have work to do in our “Care for Creation.”
In thinking of the future, we are all in a constant state of change and churches are not exempt from the changes taking place. Just as some people do not have a check book or carry cash. They send funds via PayPal, CashApp, Zelle and for churches, if those vehicles are not available, they use Givelify or some other application.
There is a lot of talk about AI (artificial intelligence) and its pros and cons including for the religious community. We are on an incredible journey and our efforts may seem too slow or too fast based on our perspectives. It is imperative that we focus on “Who is God calling us to be” and “Who are we called to minister to” for Such A Time As This.
We are making “Progress in the Process” and our Summer Sermon Series has been a journey towards the future with messages from Matthew and topics including Relationship, Restoration, Reboot, Reassess, Reignite, Reimagine, and Renew.
This Sunday, the sermon text from Matthew 16:13-20 will include some questions from Jesus and the subject, “Recreate.”
See you on Sunday!
Pastor Frank