It is hard to believe that eight months have passed this year and people are already talking about winter. (Crazy isn’t it.) As the daylight gives way to longer nights, we know the year is coming to an end and with it, our theme for this year. It is my hope that the lessons, thus far, have helped in some way to encourage us all to be bold for Christ when it comes to sharing the faith. With the close of a year comes the planning for the next year.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. James 4:13-14
Making future plans are done with a deep understanding of God’s sovereignty, for “if the Lords wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4:15) Those plans are also done with a desire to help us grow and become more of what our Lord desires, both individually and as a body. (Ephesians 4:12-16)
It seemed natural, after talking about the important role we have in reaching out to the lost, that we compliment that with a balanced approach to serving; thus, the decision was made to make Galatians 6:10 our theme verse for 2016. Here is what the apostle Paul exhorts the church in Galatia to do:
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
In the weeks to come, the ministry leaders will be getting together with the elders to map out some of the projects for next year. We hope to incorporate a community project of some kind, using the gifts and talents of our church family. Maybe you have an idea that could be suggested. We can’t do all things, but it doesn’t hurt to hear new ideas. If you have one, give it to a ministry leader or one of the shepherds.
Let’s close out this year with fervent prayer that we, as God’s church in the Biddeford area and abroad, can be used by Him more and more for the advancement of His kingdom. And pray for us, your shepherds, as we try to humbly guide our church family heavenward.
Your shepherds
