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As we begin 2012, it is good not only to look back to the blessings God has given St. John's but also to look ahead to how we use our blessings to bless others. That has been one of God's calls to the people of God - to be a blessing. How do we move forward in 2012 to be a blessing? By far the primary concern for the church has been and continues to be evangelism. We share the Good News of God - God entered human history by sending the Son, Jesus, who gave himself for our sin. A theologian I have admired, Dr. David Preus, spoke of the church's mission. "Every congregation must see itself as a center for mission. Your congregation needs to see evangelism in the context of where you serve. The Lord has placed you in one corner of his universe for the purpose of sharing the Good News. A place where people can experience the love of God; a place where lonely people are welcome; a place where we look out beyond the stained glass to see others for whom Christ died, and most of all, a place where men and women freely speak about their faith in the Lord." We have been working at St. John's to be a place where we can grow and help others grow to be more Christ-like. We work to build our relations between ourselves and the community around us. It is a long-standing effort of St. John's church, 155 years. So, we focus on God's mission for St. John's Church in 2012 and into the future. Pray for one another and those who carry the message to many places in our area and the world. Remember our Prayer Chain and consider whether that might be a ministry for you. Reach out to another by personal visits, phone calls, emails, or texts. We can be listening ears in a time of crisis. We provide help for those in need, supporting the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen. Read the scriptures regularly and seek more growth in discussion with others around the Word. We know of the needs of our neighbors locally and globally. Yes, we may not personally share the Good News in a foreign land. Still, we can pray for and support those who do and St. John's congregation does just that. As we enter 2012, may we be assured that we're blessed to be a blessing!
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This page's copy is © 2012. |
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