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Pastor's Pen
On this first Sunday of 2008 we thank God
for all that the Lord did to bring us through
2007. It goes without saying that we found many
challenges in the old year. We dealt with the
condemnation of our properties, the continued
assaults from community bloggers, and the
litigation of 60 concerned members. Through it
all God was good.
We addressed the abandoned property issues
through an overwhelmingly successful Take Down
the Signs Campaign. We became proactive about
the bloggers and worked to improve relationships
with the neighbors through better communication
and increased cooperation. We were particularly
intentional in involving our neighbors in the
planning of significant community events. We
have responded to the litigation with Christian
love and compassion, knowing all the while that
whatever our church does must reflect the love
of God in Christ Jesus.
Now we anticipate a productive and spirit-filled
2008. We will continue to build a village that
reflects God’s Kingdom. We will lift up and
celebrate our elders, our crown jewel members.
We will build on initiatives, like the Junior
Church, to help our young people feel engaged
and active in the work of our church. We will
build up our ministry of counseling to couples,
the grief stricken, and to those facing
difficult transitions. We will provide
enlivening, uplifting worship services and we
will work to assist our Family Life Center and
our Missionaries in providing meaningful
programs for the at-risk members of society.
As a church family, we stand on the backs of
giants. We are in debt to those 21 slaves who
had the courage to set out for new beginnings
and also to the pastors and leaders who have
shaped our ministries, particularly Drs.
Harrison and Gregory. We thank God for all those
whose lives were dedicated to the health and
well being of our church.
As we approach 2008 with anticipation, we thank
God that the best is yet to come.
Reading Through The Bible
January 13: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts
10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
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