I stopped in at a convenience store after Christmas and at the check-out, I said to the clerk: “I guess it’s too late to be wishing you a Merry Christmas!” She said: “Thank Goodness!! I’m so over Christmas!” So I responded: “What about wishing you a Happy New Year?” She immediately said: “That I can do! I can go for a Happy New Year!” I guess we can all identify with those sentiments. 2021 has been a tough year for so many and we all hope for better things in days to come.
On the other hand, in many ways we’ve had a wonderful year at St. Johns. We are healthy financially, the attendance has returned to pre-pandemic levels, activity at the Gathering Place is increasing, and I sense a positive spirit in our Beloved Community. I can’t tell you how heartening that is!
As we get ready to launch this new year, I believe that there is one thing that is going to prove to be a challenge throughout the year and I need your help. In order to breathe new energy into our Beloved Community, we have started some programs and ministries that seem essential for a vibrant and growing fellowship. Each of these things call for committed and faithful people to support and sustain them.
We are at a place where we need everyone in the congregation to take inventory of your gifts and energy to see what you can offer in this coming year so that St John’s can thrive. It’s like we are pushing a big boulder up the hill. If we leave the responsibility to the few, they will get run over from exhaustion. But, if each of us can pitch in and lend a hand, we can get this thing over the top and we can all celebrate what we did together!
We either pull together or we pull apart! Consider what God is calling you to do! Together we are powerful!
Pastor Don
