Just when I had gotten used to writing 2011 on my checks, I need to re-learn my habits and start over with the new year‘s way of doing things! Somehow though, it seems like the changing of the year ought to mean more than just an inconvenience. I also have great hopes for this coming year. I pray that 2012 will bring a better economy, new opportunities for our friends and family, and plenty of good times together.

God measures time differently than the world does though. With God, every day is like New Year‘s day; every week is a chance to begin again and get things right. When we meet the Lord at the communion table, he offers to set all our debts with him to zero, to 'reboot‘ our relationship with him and forget the mistakes of the past. On a personal level, and as a congregation, Christ is always ready and waiting to celebrate a new beginning with us.

How will you make use of the gift of time this year? Will you begin a new project, or acquire new skills; will you use this coming year to forge new links with others, for the benefit of your family life and business? I believe that God has definite hopes for us in 2012. I am convinced that God wants to see us seize the opportunity to grow on every level. I think he wants us to improve our daily walk with him through daily prayer and Bible study. He also wants us to begin again with him as a congregation, drawing closer to him as a church family, and helping more people find the way home through Christ.

Grace and Peace,