This being the last Sunday of the year I would like
to take this 0pportunity and space to reflect upon this year. This year
has certainly been a roller coaster year, from heights of new births to
lows of lost loved ones! Through it all God has been the one constant being.
He has been there in both the highs and the lows, as always. As Jesus said,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). For this promise
we are truly thankful!
The winter months early this year were truly winter,
with several snows and many cold spells. On several occasions we dismissed
night services rather than risk anyone getting hurt coming to services.
This afforded us opportunity to help one another during the bad weather.
As the weather warmed into Spring we were again
reminded of the wonder of the Lord's resurrection. The trees and grass
that lay so still and brown were now coming back to a lively shade of green.
New leaves proclaim the coming of another new season of growth in the physical
world, all of which reminds us of God's great power shown in creation.
There was a flurry of activity during this time as some of our group prepared
to go back again to Peru and others were hard at work preparing Vacation
Bible School materials.
Summer came with grass growing at a record pace
help greatly with the blessing from God of min. Two teams left for mission
work in Peru during June and all returned safely. Vacation time was in
full swing and so was our Vacation Bible School. We are truly blessed with
talented individuals who threw all their energies into making this one
of the most successful and smoothly run VBS's we have had since I came.
My hat is off to our teachers' creativity and willingness to go the extra
mile. Shortly after VBS we had a very successful Youth Night again because
of the efforts put forth by individuals of this congregation.
As school began again, signaling the start of the
fall season, once more minds and energies were put to good use in our Bible
classes. The outside of our building was painted by the men of the congregation
and it surely made it look better. Throughout the year we have had fellowship
meals together, been in one another's homes and have enjoyed worshiping
and serving God. May God bless us in the coming year!