So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; II Corinthians 5:17-18
Happy New Year! It is a season of new beginnings, a new year, and with it many resolutions, hopes and fears as to what this next year will bring. I share many hopes, a few fears, but mostly a sense of gratitude and anticipation. Gratitude for the grace of God that has brought us to this new year, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
The past year has been filled with the blessings of being God’s people in this place. We’ve just shared in the Christmas season, and seen the joy in the faces of our young people, heard the wonderful musical gifts that God has poured into this congregation, and gathered for worship and fellowship week after week. In difficult days we have seen the strength of our family of faith as people rally in support of friends and neighbors to see them through. In bright days we’ve shared the joy of knowing God’s presence and peace. The ministry of ELC, through the efforts of the whole congregation, has been a blessing near and far.
Now in this new year, I am reminded of Paul’s words the Corinthians. In Christ, we are once again a new creation, and have been entrusted with a ministry for the sake of God’s world. As we enter 2011, there will be a place and a need for everyone’s gifts to be shared. We have plans and dreams for an expanded facility. We have visions for new ministry opportunities in our congregation, our community and the world. We will need to stay constant in our worship, continue to care for one another, and to share Christ’s light throughout all we do.
