The common phrase heard right now seems to be “It’s hot.” This also mirrors the weather forecast.

No doubt, it is hot. As I sit typing this in the comfort of the air conditioning, the thermometer reads 100 outside. What should we expect, it is August after all.

Every year at this time, the heat and humidity sets in on us and all we want is some relief. It seems like the oppressive heat will never end. Of course, in just a short three weeks or so cooler temperatures will be here and the hot days of July and August will be nothing more than a distant memory. Here in northwest Arkansas the weather is always changing.

It is like that in our lives, too. As human beings we are in a constant state of change. We are not the same today as we were yesterday, nor will we be the same tomorrow as we are today. Life is all about change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Every day we are a new creation, changed and transformed into the people God would have us to be. That is not say that we do not have choices to make along the way.

We have choices to make every day. Sometimes we choose the right thing and sometimes we do not. No matter what, God’s grace is at work in our lives each day, leading and guiding us and helping us to learn and grow through the experiences that each day brings.

Just as our lives are a new creation each day, the church as the body of Christ is also a new creation each day. Recently the Pea Ridge and Bright Water United Methodist Churches have undergone change and transition of their own thatcame with a change in pastors at the first of July. I am now the minister serving these two congregations.

By now, you are probably wondering just who I am that is writing to you in your newspaper.

I am new to Pea Ridge, but I am not new to the area. I grew up just over in Missouri, about 25 miles away from here. Over the last five years, I have served churches in Bentonville and Rogers. I am 35 and have been in the ministry for almost 10 years now.

My wife’s name is Keri and we have been married for almost 12 years. We have two kids who are both adopted, Zephaniah who is 4 1/2 years old, and Zoeyanne who is 2 1/2 years old. I know what you are thinking, and you’re right. They will never find their names on a key chain or coffee mug. I will share the storiesof their names with you sometime. My mom and sister live in Rogers and I have a brother who lives in Tulsa. I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with my family.

As time goes on, you will get to know me through these articles that I will write once in a while for this newspaper. You will even see me around town sometimes. I look forward to getting to know you, being a part of this community and serving Christ with you.

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Brian Timmons is the pastor of Pea Ridge and Brightwater Methodist Churches.

He can be contacted at 925-0167 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Church, Pages 2 on 08/11/2010