What a wonder-full month we’ve had, adding the cherry to the year. We’ve waited together during Advent, experienced Christmas services from contemplative, innovative, family-friendly, and candlelight traditional and learned about the 12 days of Christmas using the Journey to Celebration devotional and hearing great preaching.
The well-loved Cookie Walk was reprised and many in the community are already asking if we are doing it again next year! And, our Finance Team brought an interim budget forward to Church Council, which passed it unanimously, so we could operate until our postponed generosity campaign. The team planning for this and pastor have set these dates to be January 21, 28, and February 4, so we can evaluate our projections and prepare to enter Lent. If all of us do something, and those who have the ability to increase their tithes, gifts, and offerings do what God is inviting them to do, our ministries and missions, programs, staff, and facility will thrive.
My prayers for 2024 start with the joy that I have as one who sees, hears, listens, and acts alongside an amazing amalgam of this small “b” body of Christ. During last Sunday’s Messy Church, as we reflected on many aspects for which we are grateful, I can surely say that being a part of this renewed, diverse, caring, and vital church family is full of thanksgiving. It feels as if the Holy Spirit is blowing a fresh wind of hope, youthful energy and encouragement that our journeys together in prayer, worship, hospitality, study, and celebration of our 50th have been preparing us to embrace. Are you ready? Hold onto your hats; the Holy Spirit’s movement is bold!
Pastor Erik is hosting a membership interest session on January 21 and we are hopeful that there will be a group. One way we are hoping to support the process is an offering of a 6-week small group study, called “A Disciple’s Path,” written by James A. Harnish. It will explore what it means to be a member of a church—and it’s open to everyone. Stay tuned for details.
Most of you will remember the Town Hall that discussed the lighting and visual upgrades needed in the sanctuary. The project approval and continuous planning have been underway by our Trustees and a dedicated sub-team who deserve our thanks. It now looks as if the project start target date is January 22. For safety and work efficiency to be ensured, accommodations and adjustments will be necessary. We all know that change is often inconvenient and challenging, so I’m trusting that while we’re keeping our eye on the prize of outcomes, we’ll also offer extra grace when we are affected and called upon to pitch in to make the wait smooth and collaborative.
Thanks for who you are in Christ.
Blessings and continue celebrating the wonderful church family in which God has placed you for a purpose,
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
