JANUARY, 2006

Greetings,

“Do Over!”

The young boy in the playground swings and misses at the thrown ball and he yells. “Do Over!”

The young girl attempts a gymnastic move and doesn’t quite do it right so she says, “Do Over!”

From school yards, to playgrounds, to backyards to wherever children gather to play you will hear the words “Do Over!”

Wouldn’t it be great if you could yell “Do Over” at work, at home or in life? What would you want to “Do Over” in your life?

Personally I believe we do have “Do overs" in life. We don’t have to make the same mistakes we made yesterday or last year. 2006 is a new opportunity to do things over.

As I reflect on 2005 and look ahead to 2006 it becomes obvious that for the most part you, I, and our church will be doing the same things. We will continue to be a transitioning church. We will continue to blend tradition with the new, trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

We have a chance for a "do over". Not a do over in the sense of perpetuating what we have done, but to do it over with a greater passion and a deeper commitment to God and to each other. We will continue to "do over" worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism.

As in your own life it would be wise not to alter things just for the sake of doing it different. I think of my Mom who every now and then changes her chocolate chip cookie recipe without telling anyone. She waits wondering if anyone will notice. She doesn’t have to wait long because as soon as her grandsons receive their package of cookies and eat one her telephone rings. Her protesting grandsons want the old cookie recipe.

There have been some new recipes for other cookies and dishes that she has tried that have been received with rave revues for her to make them again. In other words they want a "do over".

Areas of ministry that have been weighing heavy on my heart, that are in need of a "do over" are our ministry teams, prayer ministry, our ministry of hospitality, men’s ministry, a ministry of caring for the elderly and homebound and a ministry of outreach.

I hope and pray 2006 will be a year when you will help your church family do over these ministries for the glory of God and building up your church family. God has given gifts to you and each and everyone for that purpose.

May 2006 be a year of "do overs". May it be a year when we are deliberate in letting God "do over" our lives and our church to fulfill His purpose and His plan.

In Christ's Love,