Daily Devotion - Tuesday - December 29

Our church has seen some change this year, hasn’t it? We have successfully adjusted to online services and many have stayed in contact in new ways in this strange time. I wanted to share some hopes for the New Year in 2021. But first, let’s look back a bit: 

As we began 2020, Pastor Vicky unveiled the word God had revealed to her for our church: Faithful. I would say that this definitely came to pass and surpassed our expectations.  It was a different year than any expected, but we certainly remained faithful. In the coming year, we will build on the things that have been developed in the past few months.  Our hope is that with having an online presence (as well as live as soon as we are able), we can reach people who would not normally go to church. Ruth’s Boutique continued to serve women in our community in big ways. Our musicians stepped up and used their gifts to glorify God and to lead us to do the same. Our technical team worked tirelessly to keep us connected when being online was our only option.   Our pastor pivoted every time it was necessary, and no one knows the lengths she has gone to to keep our congregation connected and taught well. Pastor Don returned to us and shared his teaching in such relevant ways. Our Alpha Online group was a safe place for people to explore faith even if there are doubts involved in this process.  We now have several people contributing their gifts to the blog.   Cornerstone started back up and continued it’s important work of teaching and connecting people through God’s word.  Our greeting team and ushers have continued to serve and have adjusted to all of the changes. Our choir began a new practice of singing with the worship team and it has been a welcome blending of beautiful gifts.  I could go on and on about all that our congregation has done to adjust in this year of adjustments. 

​In the coming year, we will build on all of this and continue to do more.  In the month of January, our own Karen Johnson will begin to offer a meditation practice on Sunday nights via Zoom. We will build our online presence even more. We will focus on connecting in new and vibrant ways with the knowledge that this separation will not be forever and we will be able to be together again as we once were. To all who were involved in ministry this year, Thank you for your tireless efforts. To all who stood with leadership as we navigated new territory and were patient while we figured it all out on the fly, thank you for your graciousness. This coming year will be a time of renewal and continued adaptation. The beautiful thing is we are in it together and with God all is possible.-MD