July 30th, 2021

FROM PASTOR'S DESK
​How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Some of you will reply, “Quite well, thanks for asking.” For others, “I’m doing well with a couple of them, but that exercise program has really been an uphill climb.” And for most of the rest of us, “What resolutions?” As we roll into August, we approach what I like to think of as a second ‘New Year’. In the church for many years, we have approached the beginning of the school year as a new beginning in our calendar. A time to retool and start fresh with ministry. And our local school district is starting classes on August 23rd. So, this seemed like a good time for a newsletter article about new beginnings in our church ministry.
We are all aware that with the lifting of the Covid restrictions, it’s almost like we are coming out of hibernation. And for our church, I have had a strong sense from the Lord that He is beginning a special work among us and in our community. But I’ve also had to admit that from a ministry standpoint, we need to get our ministries up and   running. While it is important that we make every effort to  regrow our church, the spiritual health of our body of Believers is my greatest concern. Church growth has a direct correlation to church health. A church is healthy when her members are walking in the Spirit as a way of life. This would be reflected in the individual’s personal life by a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus, a deepening love for His Word, and ongoing evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of faithful ministry (church growth).
New beginnings and new  ministries do not happen without prayer. So as we look at starting again, I want to devote this final part of my article to the church prayer needs. They include but are not limited to:
Financial needs
· Sewer hookup will cost upwards of $50,000.
· Staff needs in the church  office
 
Education and training ministries
· Children’s ministries restart – Children’s Church needs more workers. Nursery needs workers. Mid-week club   ministry needs workers.
· Youth ministries restart – workers for Junior High and Senior High ministries.
· Small group ministries      restart– we need a           coordinator.
· Discipleship training – both one-on-one discipleship as well as small group discipleship groups.
 
Outreach ministries
· Evangelism training
· Outreach events – men’s events, women’s events,  holiday-themed outreaches, and just general events that welcome the community to meet Jesus.
· Hospitality team – workers.
Facilities maintenance, repair, and improvement
 
Worship ministries
· Media team – livestream, computer display techs, sound techs.
· Music – worship team vocals, musicians.
· Greeting and Usher teams.
 
This is not an exhaustive list. In fact, my prayer is that we will see innovation and new ideas add to and even replace items on the list as we seek to make disciples of Jesus and develop a multigenerational community of His followers. So let us embrace this new beginning for our church. And let us resolve to obey what the Holy Spirit tells us in First Peter,
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of   prayer. Above all, keep   fervent in your love for one  another,  because love covers a multitude of sins  (1Pet. 4:7-NAS20).”
 
May He find us walking in the Spirit, diligent in prayer, and  fervent in our love for one  another when He comes.
 
In Christ our living hope,