ALONG THE JOURNEY OF FAITH…

Each New Year brings us an opportunity for a fresh start and a time for reflection and even refocuses our priorities! Christmas goes on, not the shopping, not the decorations and perhaps not the hectic schedule of the season. But, the deep substance of the Gift of a Savior goes on in the New Year. And, just as the gift giving, decorations and social gatherings helped us celebrate the Good News of Christmas, we can continue to celebrate in a quieter way. The Gift of the Newborn Child named Jesus keeps giving to us as Jesus becomes the man, the “Word made Flesh” who becomes clearly our Savior.

It is always a mystery of our faith how we can be “In Christ” and “Christ in Us”. We just know from Scripture that God’s grace in our lives and the Holy Spirit will lead and direct us as we ask and open our hearts to hear. I love the passage in Acts 17:24-28: “In Him we live and move and have our being!” God really wants to bless us and wants good things for us. God has a plan for us, but does not force it on us. Rather, God’s nature is to invite us into a relationship with God and join with us on our journey of faith. God does not promise life without hardships, but God does promise to be with us always! God promises us peace, not as the world gives, but a deeper sense of His presence with us. God is with us and God is for us.

Wishing you a very blessed New Year!

Pastor Pat.

JANUARY SCRIPTURES AND SERMONS

1/5: Communion / Epiphany

“Gift Giving”

Reader: Psalm 112:1-10

Pastor Pat: Matthew 2:1-12

1/12: First Sunday after Epiphany

“Christ Baptized”

Reader: Genesis 17:9-16

Pastor Pat: Matthew 3:13-17

1/19: Recognize Church Leadership

“The Wonders of God for All Nations”

Reader: Genesis 22:15-18

Pastor Pat: Act 2:1-13

1/26: Third Sunday after Epiphany

“Temptation”

Reader: Isaiah 9:1-3, 6-7

Pastor Pat: Matthew 4:1-11

Reader: Wally Brines