It is early morning, December 27th. I watch the sun rise and am amazed once again of the beauty of the Texas sky. A time of fun and fellowship with my family and friends draws to a close. The year 2023 has only a few more gasps of days before it is completely relegated to the past. It has been a hard year for so many of us and yet the signs of God’s faithfulness and grace are scattered along the path to sustain and encourage us along the way.
And so, we cast our eyes forward to 2024 and what awaits. Here are a few highlights to whet your hearts and souls.
Our motto as a church is “Discipleship through Relationship”. In a real sense, discipleship, or what it means to be a follower of Jesus, permeates all that we do, year in and year out. It is no surprise given the Great Commission of our Lord (Matthew 28:18-20). And yet we have to re-imagine and reorient our understanding of what this means in a culture that is rapidly changing and becoming increasingly post-Christian. Some have remarked that our times are more like the first century than ever before. And so we will spend time each Sunday morning considering the question of what walking in the way of Jesus should look like. Our first guide will be the Apostle Peter and his first epistle.
Ladies, you probably noticed that there were more events this past year, which was both exciting and fruitful, especially coming out of the pandemic years. More is planned for 2024. To hear more about what’s in store, plan to come to a ladies gathering that will be held right after our worship service on January 14th.
Men, we haven’t forgotten about you. We know most of you love food. So come with an appetite to a Men’s Breakfast on January 20th at 8 am at the church. And remember our monthly gathering on the second Tuesday of the month (January 9th) at 6:30 pm. But take note. Our eating location is changing from Buffalo Wild Wings to Al Carbon on 29N. For both of these events, the food is good but the fellowship and conversation is even better.
Following our worship service on January 21st, we will have a congregational meeting. The purpose of this time is to present the approved 2024 budget and to give several updates about happenings in the church. I know this may not sound particularly thrilling. However, I strongly encourage you to attend as this will give you a picture of our common life together as a church family.
Speaking of pictures, remember if you want to have a photo included in the 2024 church directory or want to update the current photo, our own Amy Yang will be set up to take pictures after worship on January 7th and 21st. We can’t wait to see your smiling faces!
Some other key dates and events:
- January 14th at 6 pm at GCC - Greene County Ministerial Association MLK Service
- January 28th - Sunday School and Crossroads resume
- Throughout January - Lifespring Baby Bottle Collection
And of course, our various small groups and Bible studies will be resuming. So if you haven’t joined one yet, now might be a good time to check one out. Information can be found on the table in the foyer or on the church website.
Saints, none of us knows what 2024 will bring. But whatever comes, I am thankful and rejoice that I get to face it with all of you. And more importantly, that all of us walk this path with the one who has promised to never leave us or forsake us, the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Happy New Year!
