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Text Box: I invite you to prepare for this Season to Grow by praying for God to work powerfully among us, and in you personally, during this special season as we begin a new year of our lives.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

A  Moment with the
Pastor of Evangelism

 

By:  Pastor Richard Johnson

"May God Grant You a Blessed New Year"

I

t seems to me that Christmas should be at the beginning of a new year instead of at the end of the old one.  The birth of Jesus, the incarnation, ushered in a new era of history for the whole world. 

So, as we begin one of the thousands of years of this era, may we keep in mind the reason why God the Father sent His Son to earth.  May this be a time when we reconsider our priorities in our personal lives as well as in the life of our church.  May we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit every day. 

We can praise God for the way that He has blessed the ESL (English as a Second Language) program.  Many immigrants are learning English, learning how to function in our culture and learning about God’s ways from the Bible.  The students’ children are also learning about Jesus and the Bible.  We are also including legal resources for immigration.  A lawyer from a non-profit organization spoke to some of the students on December 12th about getting immigration matters processed.  On December 19th we had a Christmas party, which included a great time for the “ESL children” together with “SPARKS” (the name for the children’s ministry of the church). 

Now is a good time to get involved in the ministries of the church as we accept the challenges of the “ONE” Campaign. [1]

Thank you for your support and all that you are doing and will be doing for God and His church this New Year.  Thank you.


 

[1]  Below is a reprint of the follow-up article that appeared in the Voice newsletter issue.

The ONE Campaign”

 Investment in the Future

 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord”.  Romans 12:11 (NIV).
 

A

s Pastor Dave has often mentioned in his sermons, following Christ involves commitment on everyone’s part.   

Last Fall, the church’s Stewardship Committee launched “The ONE Campaign”, urging one hundred percent of the congregation to “commit” to serving Christ in any (or all) of three ways:   

  • ONE Ministry
  • ONE Person
  • ONE Percent

We could make excuses for ourselves, i.e., “I’m too busy” or “let someone else do it”.  But the truth is that commitment to serving Christ through the local church anchors us in the storms of life. 

There are various ministries to become involved in.  Check them out by contacting the individual(s) in charge. 

Bring ONE person to church with you. Bring people to hear the truth told in an easy-to-understand manner.   

“Go out into highways and countryside and urge everyone you find to come in, so that the house will be full.”  Luke 14:23 (NLT). 

If possible, increase your giving by ONE percent and trust God to provide for all of your needs.  Aren’t you thankful that Jesus was willing to commit to you? 

Remember:  this is your church.  I would like to quote here what Pastor Richard said at the November 8th Council meeting:  “What do we want our church to be known for in the surrounding communities? A beautiful building and a tremendous program or as a church that cares about the needs of the people in the communities with love and compassion in action?” 

Are you making contributions to the cause of Christ or have you made a commitment?  Have you committed to Him your time, talents and treasures?   

Please prayerfully consider this important (and vital) campaign.   

Thank you! -- Marge Steffens, Administrative Secretary


 

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