Pastor's Notes - Jan. 7, 2018

Happy New Year St. Peter’s!!

We are blessed to celebrate a new year and have another opportunity to begin anew! I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): “The steadfast LOVE of the Lord never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end; they are NEW every morning; GREAT is God’s faithfulness!” This verse always reminds me that each day (and year) we have another chance to experience God’s love and mercies and to extend that same love and grace to one another.
 
As we enter 2018, it’s the perfect time to make SPIRITUAL resolutions – to create time (each day) for personal prayer and scripture reading, commit to attend one of our two weekly Bible studies (in person or via the conference bridge) or Sunday School, join one of our prayer calls, become active in a ministry (or develop a new one), commit to regularly visit or reach out (via phone calls and cards) to one of our shut-in members, commit to tithing (you knew that was coming)…in other words be more committed to spending time with God and living life as Christ has instructed us.
 
I am excited about all we have planned for this year and I believe that God has ordained every activity planned and that we will grow as a congregation and get outside the walls of our beautiful church and engage the community and especially our neighbors! We certainly have challenges to overcome, but I am claiming God’s faithfulness in those matters too as long as we continue to be good stewards of the resources God provides for us.
 
I’m not big on making personal resolutions, but I am going to commit to maintaining my early morning devotions and making time for self care (which is important) and getting in some golf…once this winter ends!
 
Finally, let’s make time to enjoy the blessings God has given us and let’s ensure we let those we love know how much we value and appreciate their presence in our lives and make time to care for ourselves.
 
Blessings for a Joyous 2018,
Pastor Carla Mitchell

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