Vacation affords me the time to step back and think/pray about the past year and the year coming. I am excited about what God has in store for us and know that we will be faithful to continue to grow (numerically as well as spiritually). It's amazing that we grew over 150 new people last year. I know that is more than a trend. Indeed, as we seek to be faithful to God's Word and risk living more fully into His call for us to be disciples, God will continue to send people to us!
I also find vacation to be a time for personal reflections about who I am as both a disciple and leader. In some ways, it feels like the beginning of something new, as I let go of old habits and begin new ones. My message this weekend will reflect on the importance of community, small groups in particular, as the way to connect to God and to one another. I pray that we will continue to grow into the kind of community where people who were disconnected become connected.
I look forward to seeing so many of you this weekend. Please continue to pray for COTHA and for me! Blessings to all of you!