This newsletter was written in combination with a sermon that was given to a congregation about capturing the energy and momentum of the start of a new year, and channeling that into intentional relationships.
Who are you connected to?
Happy New Year! 2023 has arrived, and with it comes all the possibilities and hopes for a new year and a new beginning. Everyone carries some excitement, anticipation, and maybe even anxiety with them into this time of year. For most of us, there are questions about how this year will be different — or more directly — how can I improve this year? And while there are fresh ambitions and resolutions for how we can improve our lives and make positive changes in the world around us, there’s something timeless that we risk missing in the pursuit of “better.”
Connections matter.
Part of the privilege of working at a church is that I have the opportunity to interact with a lot of people. And one of the things I’ve learned in the last couple of years is that the strength of our connections matters. As we relearn the rhythms of life in a post-pandemic world, the quality of the relationships we keep and who we invest in has a significant bearing on the fullness of our lives. At our church, we want to create spaces for you to find the group, or even the one or two individuals, that adds to your life in unexpected ways. More than finding friends — we want you to experience what God has called all of us to: connections with each other that encourage, challenge, and ultimately shape us.
We also want to support you on your spiritual journey. I believe the most important connection you have in your life is the one you have with your Creator. Some of our church family would agree with me, and others might not. I’m thankful to be a part of a church like ours that welcomes everybody, regardless of personal convictions. And while each of our journeys is unique, part of what we believe as a church is that God is pulling each of us toward Him. How we individually experience that pull might look and feel different from those around us — sometimes even radically so — but I promise you, He’s present, patient, and worthy of your attention.
My prayer for you is that 2023 will be a year where the two most important connections in your life are strengthened: with God and with each other. And we’ve got lots of great opportunities for you to find your people, develop deep relationships, and grow in your faith — keep scrolling for more info. And if you missed the New Year’s sermon last weekend (definitely worth hearing), you can catch it on our App, Website, or YouTube channel.
We look forward to seeing your beautiful faces this weekend as we gather to learn, explore, connect, and experience God together at church.