Newsletter Jan Feb 2013

Dear McKendree Church

Greetings in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, The Son of God

I am struggling with the newsletter article this month.

First, it’s supposed to be for Jan and Feb of 2013, but the events of Dec 2012 are so fresh in our minds.  We have members facing major illness and for some, death.  We have those fighting a long term battle against Cancer.  We have those who are experiencing either the first or another, still heart wrenching, Christmas without a loved one.  And of course, like others around the world, we are still reeling from the senseless murder of 20 6 and 7 year old children in CT, along with their teachers.  So, what do I say in a few short lines?

Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany—the Christmas “cycle” in the Christian Calendar.  A time of preparation and expectation, a time of celebration, and a time of growth.  Yes, that fits.  We all have these times in our lives.  Even in dire circumstances, as a Christian people, we still have hope and anticipation of the things that God is creating, yet already creating.  We journey together through the difficult times of anticipating His return, when all shall be made right with the world and sorry and pain and death shall all pass away!  We celebrate that which God has done and is doing in and through—and FOR us, His Children.  And as the New Year comes upon us, we are called to a time of growth—growth in our understanding and knowledge of Him, growth in our relationships with one another, and in our ministries to the world beyond our walls.

And so, as 2013 opens, we do…what we’ve always done as a people of faith.  We question and mourn, cry and struggle for understanding through the painful events that simply exist in this imperfect world.  We celebrate the presence of God in our world, in our lives, in the midst of tragedy, and in our hearts as we join in the mission that is ours—to Go and Make Disciples.  And too, we commit ourselves in the new year to grow—intentionally grow through the process of Sanctification as we, through study, mission, worship, devotion, and prayer, become more like JESUS.

I look forward to serving with you in 2013—and beyond.