With all due respect to the ancient Mayans it seems the world did not end. (I never really thought they had knowledge greater than the one who said: “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, — but only the Father.” Matt.24:36) We have celebrated another Christmas, and now the New Year awaits – so now what?
This past year was a remarkable one in the life of ELC. We celebrated 125 years in ministry; we completed a long-awaited building expansion, the world around us continues to change and bring new challenges. The question for all of us is: How will we move into this New Year?
After the great events of the ascension and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, those first disciples faced a world that was also in an uproar. They were a minority movement, opposed by the dominant powers of their day. They lived in a world being shaped by forces from faraway lands and non-believing philosophies. So how did they respond? The book of Acts reports: “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home- and ate their food with glad and generous- hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47)
Rather than sit back and worry, they went about being the people of God in basic and concrete ways every day. That doesn’t seem like too bad a plan. In this New Year I believe it is time to commit ourselves to being the people of God in this place. We have tremendous opportunities, we have wonderful facilities, and most of all we have the presence of power of God in our midst.
God’s Peace,
Pastor John Twiton
