A New Year...A Fresh Start

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17

A new year brings with it a chance at all new things in our lives. That's why so many of us make New Year's Resolutions--for the opportunity for a fresh start. Unfortunately, our resolutions don't always pan out. And often we get frustrated by our failures and give up the new chance we have been given--settling instead for the same old routines and patterns.

The Good News is that while New Year's Resolutions often don't work out the way we want, we always have a fresh start with God. His grace and forgiveness and mercy are new for us every single day. It's never too late to have a whole new relationship with God. And in God, there are always new chances to change your life!

So where are the places you desire a fresh start? Where would you like God to help you form a new path? What are the old things you want to give up? Seek God's direction and guidance--and live in His abundant forgiveness and grace--and you just might find a whole new beginning! And if you fail, and if things don't work out the way you had hoped, ask for a fresh start again and God promises a new beginning--every day...every hour. God's grace is new for you!

That is true in our lives--and it is also true for our congregation. As we begin a new year at St. James, we have a chance for a fresh start. What are your New Year's Resolutions for our congregation? Where would you like to see God take us in 2013? We will be asking you those questions in the next several weeks--at Board Meetings, group meetings, and in general conversation. Be thinking and praying about your hopes and dreams for St. James and help us frame the ministry for the coming year.

And may God bless you abundantly in 2013...and may you remember every day the grace, forgiveness and mercy you have in Him!
                                                                                                -Pastor Jeni