Friends,

2020 is officially underway and I suspect that your daily routines are returning after the break that tends to occur during the Christmas season. The break is always welcome, the routine that returns not as much. But it doesn’t need to be that way, particularly for those who follow Christ. The break has reminded us that God is still pursuing the goal of setting the world right through Jesus, and there remains plenty of opportunity for us to join God in that plan. One way to capitalize on this is to remember that outcomes belong to God—our role is to remain centered in the life we’ve been given in Christ, and to be present in every moment as it comes rather than to speculate on what might develop if only “this” would occur. Christ is present in every moment—this is one of the great promises we have in him. Perhaps the best resolution we can make in this new year, is to intentionally remind ourselves of this, in all the routine that comes back in full force, Christ is present, he is alive in us making it possible for us to fully live in his grace in every circumstance. Training ourselves to consider this through our day will find us dwelling in him, fixing our thoughts in him asking him for eyes to see where he is and what he is doing through the course of our day. 

This Sunday we’ll look at the baptism of Jesus and discover how that very approach worked in his life. If you want to read in preparation, we’ll look at Matthew 3:13-17. As you read through this, pay attention to who is present in this moment and imagine yourself watching it unfold. What might you have expected? And how might that be different from what actually happened? I'm looking forward to unpacking this passage with you!

After the service there will be an information meeting in Heritage Hall for anyone interested in learning about our church’s mission trip to Mexico later this year. People who have been there will provide some insight from their experience  and you’ll get a taste of what to expect as you go. There’s no obligation at this meeting, it’s just information, but if you’ve thought about this before, this Sunday is your chance to explore what this might mean for you and those you serve while there.

Also, at 5PM we’ll host Jazz Vespers for January. This is one of the events that fits in with what we considered last Sunday—ways to build a community around something that is appealing and different from what people typically think of when it comes to church. This is one way our church is learning how to be an oasis of refreshment in a world that wearies the soul. 

By the way, the final figures for Advent Conspiracy show that we’ve given just over $27,000 for Vision House and the Trinity project. This exceeds every previous Advent Conspiracy offering. Thanks for being a generous congregation that delights in extending themselves for the sake of others. This is gospel—the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Thanks for displaying this so brilliantly!

See you Sunday!
—frank