Come and welcome the New Year with us on Thursday, December 31 at 8:00 PM ’till midnight.  You’re free to come and go.  Many of us are gathering for a bluegrass jam session and game night.  We’ll be in the fellowship hall on the north side of the church building.  If you have an acoustic instrument, bring it and join in on the jam.   We typically have our bluegrass jam sessions and game nights on the 4th Thursday of each month.   Many who attend also  bring games to play and enjoy the fellowship.  Call if you need more information.

Are You Ready for the New Year?

I always get excited about the prospects of a new year.  I’ve developed slogans each year to keep me focused and motivated— “Come Alive in 2005”; “Taking the Licks in 2006”; “Be Brazen in 2007”; “Open the Gate in 2008”; and “Cross the Line in 2009.”  Each of these slogans reminded me of my goals through the year and helped me stay on course.  And so my slogan for next year is:  “Bear It and Grin in 2010.”  The purpose of this slogan is to remind me to rejoice always, be content, be patient, and be positive about life while remembering that I “can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

As I look back over the year of 2009, I see many personal successes, many failures, many joys, and many sorrows.  I’ve felt strong, and I’ve been weak.  I’ve been a good example and at times a poor one.  I could have encouraged more, loved more, and served more.  But I’m not disappointed.  I’ve walked with God, I’ve worshiped, read His word, and preached His gospel.  God, if He is willing, will bless me and you with another year filled with opportunities.  And so “forgetting what lies behind, and reaching for what lies ahead,” let us all “press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Scott Gleaves, Minister