Hope in the Coming Year

As 2007 comes to a close, we often look back over the year remembering high points and low points. We look forward to the coming year and what we hope to accomplish, what we hope to do different. 2008 promises to be a great year for Christ Community. Of course, we look forward to laying our foundation and getting our new house of worship built. More important though, is the people whose lives will be changed by the power of Jesus Christ in this coming year. It will be a year of growth, with adults becoming more rooted and grounded in Christ, and young people coming of age and being confirmed in the faith. Probably most exciting of all is not what we expect, but the unexpected. What new thing is God going to do in our lives? How is he going to challenge us and stretch us? How will be bless us and strengthen us? What seeds that have been sown will begin to sprout and bring forth growth? We shall see. What ever happens, we know that we face a bright future in God. As the Apostle Paul said, we know what hour it is. The night is far gone and the day is at hand.

Does the coming year fill you with hope and anticipation? If not perhaps you should consider drawing closer to the One who holds all of our tomorrows in his hands. Don't be afraid, it is still the age of grace. His invitation is still open to anyone who will receive it. God loves you. He really wants you to be reconciled to him. If you come to him, he will not turn you away. Make 2008 the year you came out of the shadows in to the bright light of his presence.

Committed to Community

It is a paradox. On the one hand, we can speak of our planet shrinking. With modern transportation, distances become insignificant. A person can be just about anywhere in the world in the space of 24 hours. Many people today commute 30 minutes or an hour each day just for work. With modern technology, a person can live almost anywhere and conduct business around the world. It is truly amazing. However on the other hand, we have become distant, remote from the people closest to us. We may say that we are connected, communicating on cell phones, in chat rooms, by email, and text messaging, but frequently do not even know our next door neighbor.

Don't misunderstand. Modern technology is beneficial in many ways. However, there is no substitute for genuine human contact, such as shaking hands, talking face to face with another person, or lending a helping hand. In a world that is increasingly remote, we need to cherish our personal and immediate relationships. When we chose a name for Christ Community, we did so with a purpose. Christ is the center, He is the purpose underlying all that we do. We also wanted to communicate our intention to be a community church, that is, a church for our community. That doesn't mean that we do not get involved in world missions efforts. We believe in and support world missions. Yet we strive to be a church that fosters, builds up, and serves the people of our neighborhood. We count it a privilege to live among such remarkable neighbors. Christ Community Church is a place where you can connect with your neighbors, and build healthy, lasting relationships, not on a screen, but face to face. Most importantly, it is a place where you can meet Jesus, or renew your relationship with him. What better time, then Advent and Christmas to renew you relationship with your Savior.