Growing together in Christ. Our short phrase for our big mission.
Considering that mission accomplished is too final, there will be no banner hung. We understand this is a continuous journey, however, this year has been characterized by our growth. We welcomed our associate + youth pastor and new church members, were blessed by the secretary-sister-swap, enjoyed worship services/sermons online and outdoors, embraced at-home/virtual Awana, grew our ministry volunteers and meeting/teaching methods, added new babies, consoled grieving families, celebrated marriage and moves, and prayed over disease and diagnoses. The landscape may look a little different, but, praise God, our Rock, that He is our firm foundation.
His word and His love endures forever! And we know the pruning and blossoms we have witnessed are signs of His great love for us.
Many seek solace in the closing of one year with the hurried anticipation of the newness of another, but is there anything new under the sun? Perhaps not if your measure is of this world. So instead, take time to remember who gave Himself up for you – leaving the Most High to dwell with us and suffer and die in your/my stead. But not in vain as He has defeated death – He is risen! – so that we too may live in Him.
As we reflect, and begin to look forward, let us pause to celebrate Immanuel and praise Him as we seek to lead all people in a growing relationship with Christ. From the house of David He came, and from David, this psalm (100):
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
To Him be the glory as we continue growing together in Christ!
Your forever-friend,
Marshall Legg