Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a phenomenal Christmas season and are anticipating one of your greatest years ever!
First, I would like to celebrate all of the ways our people responded to God’s leadership during the months of November and December. From our involvement in international outreaches (i.e. Operation Christmas Child), to local community involvement (i.e. ringing for the Salvation Army, to meeting local and international physical needs (i.e. November and December special offerings), to providing powerful opportunities to worship, times of Thanksgiving, and opportunities to celebrate the reality of Christmas (i.e. choir/drama presentation, Christmas Eve services), our people went over and above our usual ministry involvement and provided so many compassionate touches to untold numbers of people. I couldn’t be more proud of the tremendous ways you touched so many lives on behalf of our wonderful God! We will be sharing more information, in detail, during our weekend services in January.
Second, during the month of January, many of the Covenant Churches will be sharing messages supporting a common theme: “The Power of a Whisper” —hearing God’s voice and having the guts to respond!” This series is inspired by a recent publication by Bill Hybels, but represents a common belief of Covenant pastors that this is a lesson God wants His people here in Flagstaff to hear, adopt, and implement in our daily lives. I hope you plan to join us for every message as we seek to live our lives here on earth while making sure one ear is straining to hear from Heaven.
Finally, but maybe most importantly, we are seeking to begin 2011 by deepening our earthly connection with our Heavenly Father. During the first 90 days of 2011, we are asking members of our congregation to join us in a season of prayer and fasting. It is our hope that at least one member of our congregation will be fasting and praying each day in order to allow us to more clearly comprehend the vision God has for us to pursue during this vital stage in our ministry efforts here in Flagstaff! Please join us as we corporately seek the guidance and support of our Heavenly Father.
It promises to be an exciting year! May God continue to bless you and your family as we seek to faithfully serve Him here in Flagstaff.
My Love in Christ,
Jim