Update January 5, 2009! What a great start!

I love the words of the old hymn "And can it be....that I should gain and interest in the Savior's love."
As I look back over the past 6 months this song and all the lyrics come to mind. "Amazing Love...How can it be?" New Church is comprised of a vast array of different people. All of us carrying our own hang ups, dragging our own baggage around, and in different spots in our relationship with God, yet....God has shown some amazing favor in His dealings with us. So, to keep with the hymn theme let me count some of the blessings:
1. Bringing a good launch group together
2. Providing a meeting place at a awesome affordable rate
3. Out of no where providing funds for the equipment we needed
4. Bringing more people into our path...from 17 in our planning stages to now over 40
5. God has allowed to help people in with physical and financial needs in a greater way than I have personally experienced in my last two ministries.
6. We have shared in two baptisms
7. We have enjoyed seeing many re-engage in their relationship with God's church
8. We have seen personal relationships grow as we grow together in God
9. People have been challenged and are stepping up and sacrificing their talents, gifts, money, and resources to further God's kingdom.
10. New people are engaging in ministry (even though they are nervous and scared)
11. God has provided a building for our use

These last two are very special to me as the pastor....God has reigned down his Spirit on us and is leading in developing in New Church a true atmosphere where GRACE is key and we allow God to do the changing as we lead people to His Word.....and the genuine care expressed and felt in our services as we break into prayer groups and attendees share concerns, joys, and request as they all share life together. (I wish you all could see it....God is showing up at New Church on Sundays!)

I won't sit here and even pretend to express to you what God is going to do in 2009. I have learned not to put God in to my expectations, but rather we will seek to embrace and receive the vastness of God's vision. That does not not mean we don't plan or seek God's leading to make plans, but we will hold our wishes lightly and allow God to lead.

Establishing a Sunday School program this fall, developing further our weekly Bible Studies, taking over the "Food Share Program," looking into Awanna for kids, discipleship and leadership training events, growing both Men's and Women's ministries are just a few things we will be seeking to focus on this coming year.

Human effort and strength has not brought about the accomplishments New Church has seen. God did it. We just seek to join Him and bask in His Glory!

We pray God brings all of you, our supporters, a new year that challenges and blesses as He leads you into a more intimate relationship with Him.

Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff