What a blessing it is to start the New Year with all of you! The Lord has been incredibly faithful to this congregation in the last year, and we will see what good plans He has in store for us in 2018. Just think about some of the things we have seen - hundreds of children at VBS this summer, more than a dozen youth confirmed, the visit from our Kenyan pastors to bless our Mission:Possible outreach, about 200 people involved in the Ephesians Study small groups this fall, 770 at the amazing Christmas Cantata, and the wonderful Christmas Eve services with every possible generation represented. One member invited friends to the family service, and afterward, one told her, "This evening makes me want to live my life differently." God is at work!
As the years change, we naturally find ourselves reflecting on the past and looking toward future plans and possibilities. You may want to set aside time for intentional reflection and prayer. One of the tools I have found useful is called a "Prayer of Examen." It is a simple method to prayerfully pay attention to where God has been at work and where He may be leading us. Debra Mooney of Xavier University suggests this list of questions as a possible guide. Find a quiet spot, grab a journal, think back over the last year and ask the Lord to help you see:
- What am I especially grateful for this past year? An event that took place? Courage that I mustered? Love and support I received?
- Where have I felt true joy?
- What troubled me?
- What has challenged me?
- Where and when did I find an opportunity for renewal and pause?
- Have I noticed God's presence in any of this?
- In light of my review, what should be my response to the Lord in my life?
- As I look ahead, to the coming months what comes to mind?
- With what attitude do I want to enter the next few months? The next year?
As you finish, ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and strength, with His wisdom and discernment, and with His love for you and for everyone around you.
May God bless you and bless our congregation as we seek to serve Him and proclaim His Good News to the world!
