2024 A Year of New Beginnings

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. ~ Isaiah 60:1

Happy New Year!

As January brings the New Year, in our readings and our worship January also brings a new beginning, too. This year the church season of Epiphany comes with the beginning of the Gospel of Mark and Jesus’ baptism. This month and this season leads us anew into big discussions about Baptism and who Jesus is, an invitation to come and follow, and the invitation to celebrate our role in sharing the light of Christ in our families, in our neighborhoods and with the whole world.

 Last year, at our Annual Meeting, we did a big reorganization of our church budget. We acknowledged the challenges of our aging congregation and the limitations of our income, as a church. In spite of the challenges and in light of the sale of the building, we did what the congregation had planned when the sale of the building came through. We set a budget that clearly articulated the funds for worship and congregational care based entirely on funds from offerings - which amounted to about $200,000. And we designated another $100,000 from the proceeds from the sale of the building for mission and outreach.

 So, how has it been going? Deacon Kirsten has been sharing all about her leadership among outreach partners throughout the year, partners like EveryMeal, Isaiah, Christian’s Toybox, NEAR and CEAP - just to name a few.

 Last May, we wrapped up our participation in the synod granted project “Faith and Neighboring Practices,” but we’ve continued the outreach events, the BBB monthly cookouts, throughout the summer. Through those community meals, we’ve been able to meet our neighbors. Some have even come to join us in worship.

Also last spring, we welcomed our new Church Musician, Ben Jeitz! Ben’s arrival has transformed our Sunday mornings through his powerful performance style. He’s been busy trying to entice members to share their musical gifts in worship. Our Sunday worship experience has really benefitted, since his first day at First.

Here, in January, we can look forward to a month of celebrating the many ways that this special season of outreach has made an impact in our neighborhood. We’ll look forward to more conversations about where we’ve seen God among us, using our congregation to share the light of Christ to the world around. And we’ll give voice to the new opportunities to make God known in our neighborhood in the year to come.

As we look ahead to see what 2024 will bring, I’m so excited to continue this special season of outreach and impact that we’ve begun. 

Thanks and peace,

Pastor Colin