From Pastor's Desk...January 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We had a remarkably successful 2024 as a church as we are blessed by Jesus every day. We are a family of Christ and enjoy each other’s company before and after church, including our monthly potluck. Debbie and I are proud to be a part of this congregation. Going into 2025 we must all spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our Vision is to grow and this year we are going to focus on this task more.

I have one more year of seminary to complete my Master of Divinity. I hope to be ordained an Elder in 2026 at the Annual Conference. Completing school will give me more time to devote to evangelism. Gary Miley is the leader of that effort, but we all can contribute. Also, as our renovation projects get completed the workers can redirect their energy to increasing our membership and attendance.

Kyle Martin has agreed to lead our Joys and Concerns. The Martin’s are a wonderful addition to the church. I am certain that he will do a fantastic job. Kyle will have to learn all the names but let us be patient with him as you have been with me. Kayla also adds to our media effort by helping with all the technology that goes into our network presence. Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." This verse emphasizes the power of prayer and the assurance that God will respond to our earnest requests. It encourages believers to persist in seeking God’s guidance and provision.

Remaining projects include, painting the choir room, taking up carpet and refinishing the floors in the classroom wing hall and the beginner’s classroom (to be hired done), removing paint from the attic floor, a rail for the new emergency exit steps, continued drainage corrections, and a few odds and ends. Your generosity of time and offerings made 2024 greatly successful,  2 Chronicles 34:10 says: “10 Then they entrusted it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the Lord’s temple. These men paid the workers who repaired and restored the temple.” For those who support the projects with offerings, thank you also. In Proverbs 3:9-10 it is written: “9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Revitalization of this house of worship honors God.

We should always remember that the “church” is really the people, our outreach efforts have been ongoing. However, we should not neglect our own walk with Christ. Ephesians 4:24 reminds us: :”to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” As 2025 begins let us be resolved to become new in Christ.

Happy New Year,

Pastor Eric & Debbie