With the New Year come new hopes, new dreams, new energy.

Over the past few months, we’ve talked a lot about “turning the page” here at Prince of Peace. We’ve talked about working on our three goals – practical, missional, and spiritual. We’ve talked about improving communication and developing a greater sense of trust amongst one another. We’ve talked about more clearly defining our mission, vision and values. And we’ve talked about growing in our awareness of Christ’s real presence among us.

Really, though, we’ve done more than that.
We’ve done more than just talk about those things; we’ve begun doing them as well.

We’ve begun improving our communication with one another. We’ve done that through things such as our small group meetings in November, and the monthly reports each ministry team has been filing so as to help keep everyone on the same page. Our communication has improved through articles in the newsletter, announcements in worship, and conversations with each other. And the best part is, as we learn to trust and communicate with each other more, the more we can do Christ’s mission.

We’ve seen that just in the past few months as we’ve really focused in on our mission and values. We are a congregation that VALUES prayer, and loving and caring for one another. We are a congregation that desires to be faithful to God and welcoming to others.

We are a congregation that understands our MISSION is inextricably tied to our worship, our music, our prayer and care, and our outreach to the community. We understand that we serve Christ by doing these things. And by doing these things, we draw others to Christ.

The Council and I will be going on retreat Saturday, January 16, to pray about our mission and values. And we’ll be asking him to give us guidance as to how we are to proceed from here. Please pray for us.

And finally, our spiritual life – we haven’t just been talking about Jesus, we’ve been experiencing him. He’s been at the center of all we’ve been doing. He’s been our focus, our goal, and our strength. He’s been renewing us and leading us as he comes to us each Sunday in his Word and Sacrament.

My friends, this is a new year, and there is much that lies ahead of it. Some of it will be wonderful. Some of it will be challenging. Some of it will frustrate us. And still some will fill us with great joy! But through it all, there is Christ.

So let us begin this year together, but most especially let us begin it with Christ.