Thursday, January 11, 2007
Year of Possibility
The year 2007 has arrived! This will be one of the most exciting ... and most challenging ... years we have faced as a congregation, certainly since I've been a part of the Atonement family. Perhaps it's best to call this a year of possibility.
Before us lies the possibility of living in God's love more deeply than ever as we move into our newly constructed sanctuary and experience a whole new dimension of worship. Before us lies the possibility of growing in faith as we explore different Sunday morning patterns for worship and learning (see next article). Before us lies the possibility of reaching out in hope in powerful ways as we continue to take advantage of opportunities to share God's grace with neighbors near and far.
There is, of course, another side to possibility. Before us lies the possibility that we will feel disoriented as we adapt to new settings and patterns. Before us lies the possibility thai we will struggle financially as we seek to gather the resources necessary for both our regular ministries as well as our new mortgage. Before us lies the possibility that we will be tempted to focus inward just as we are presenting a new outward face to our community.
In order to make this a year of possibility in the most positive sense, it helps to remember the vision that brought us to this moment! For several years now we have faithfully journeyed in God's hope as we have sought to listen to the leading of the Spirit - increasing our ministry staff, sharing our financial blessings through benevolence gifts, and building a worship center that will not only be inviting to new people but will serve as a beautiful sacred space for a variety of styles of worship.
Now that we are at the point of realizing the final aspects of this vision, the possibilities for a bright future are endless. Yes, it will require dedication and hard work on our part. Yes, we must continue to be generous, creative, and welcoming so that the full potential of our vision might be realized. Above all, we are called to be faithful, acting in the love and grace of the One who has inspired our vision to begin with, trusting in the One through whom all things are possible! I'm excited about the possibilities of this new year and I look forward to our continued journey together!
Pastor Jim
Before us lies the possibility of living in God's love more deeply than ever as we move into our newly constructed sanctuary and experience a whole new dimension of worship. Before us lies the possibility of growing in faith as we explore different Sunday morning patterns for worship and learning (see next article). Before us lies the possibility of reaching out in hope in powerful ways as we continue to take advantage of opportunities to share God's grace with neighbors near and far.
There is, of course, another side to possibility. Before us lies the possibility that we will feel disoriented as we adapt to new settings and patterns. Before us lies the possibility thai we will struggle financially as we seek to gather the resources necessary for both our regular ministries as well as our new mortgage. Before us lies the possibility that we will be tempted to focus inward just as we are presenting a new outward face to our community.
In order to make this a year of possibility in the most positive sense, it helps to remember the vision that brought us to this moment! For several years now we have faithfully journeyed in God's hope as we have sought to listen to the leading of the Spirit - increasing our ministry staff, sharing our financial blessings through benevolence gifts, and building a worship center that will not only be inviting to new people but will serve as a beautiful sacred space for a variety of styles of worship.
Now that we are at the point of realizing the final aspects of this vision, the possibilities for a bright future are endless. Yes, it will require dedication and hard work on our part. Yes, we must continue to be generous, creative, and welcoming so that the full potential of our vision might be realized. Above all, we are called to be faithful, acting in the love and grace of the One who has inspired our vision to begin with, trusting in the One through whom all things are possible! I'm excited about the possibilities of this new year and I look forward to our continued journey together!
Pastor Jim
# posted by Anonymous @ 9:17 PM 
