New Year's Pastoral Letter
Christmas has come and gone and the New Year has arrived. The new year also means a fresh beginning to our service and ministry together as we follow Christ. This Sunday morning we will be starting a new series in the Psalms. Historically, the Psalms have been vital to the Church's growth and maturity as saints - it is both the "prayer book" and the "song book" of God's people. And I believe it will be key to our growth as a community in this year as well. Here is why:
The Psalms are rich in their teaching about God and His purposes. No other book of the Old Testament is quoted more in the New Testament than the Psalms. Part of the reason why is because it is a book that presents a "big God." He is compassionate, powerful, and committed in His love for us. But He is also mysterious, and (let's be honest) not always easy to understand based on the way circumstances sometimes fall out. My prayer for us is that the big God of the Psalms will capture our hearts and minds and hands and draw us into a deeper faith and "riskier" service to others.
The Psalms are honest in their presentation of our different emotional responses to God. The Psalms are uniquely candid in the way they present God's people coming before Him in both joyous faith and in crushing disappointment. Jesus Himself spoke the words of the Psalms (22) from the cross - to ask about God's apparent absence. The view of discipleship that the Psalms gives us is hearty, real, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. The Psalms are for us as whole people, who are seeking our God by faith.
I don't practice making resolutions at the beginning of the year, but here is are some ways we can all make a fresh beginning to the year.
+ Attend worship regularly - Worship is like a meal that God offers us every week. If you don't eat, you won't grow. In fact, you get weak and spiritually sick if you don't eat. Please make it a priority by arranging your schedule to be with God and His people every week. Not worshipping on Sunday morning with God's people should be the exception, and not the norm.
+ Get involved with a small group - We will have several small groups meeting. Wednesday evenings we will have a time of singing and praying at Grant Park (childcare provided). Sunday evenings we will have a time of teaching and discussing together Scripture. On Wednesday mornings, there will be a Mom's/Women's small group getting together for socializing. Once a month, there will be a discussion time with childcare.
+ Be hospitable and charitable - Bring people who are not yet involved. Have each other into your homes. Invite friends to Hope on Sunday mornings. Look for ways to be involved with your gifts (especially prayer) in the different ministries of Hope. Is there a ministry missing from Hope that should be there? Start it.
May the Lord bless us and keep us in the year ahead,
Pat