New Year: Now What?
5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. 7 Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters.
Revelation 21:5-7
Happy New Year!
So 2016 has begun. Now what? We are still riding on the wave of activity from the end of 2015, and that’s not a bad thing. 2015 was a great year for South Hill UMC. The fall brought new activity and energy. We have the regular addition of visitors in worship, and members seem truly excited to be in church. We had an entry in the South Hill Christmas parade for the first time since the mid 1980s, and pieces of the float continued to colorfully decorate the church yard throughout the Christmas season. The children’s Christmas play was so well done and told a touching story of rekindled Christmas spirit that reminded us all how special this time of year is. Our multi-church choir cantata was beautiful, with participation from South Hill UMC, South Hill Presbyterian, and Clarksville Baptist churches. We had a very well attended Christmas Eve worship that seemed to touch many people, offering the story of God’s incarnation in Scripture and carols, followed by sung communion and candlelight. And on top of that, we made all of our part of shared ministry expenses for the first time in a decade. This is a great wave to ride, indeed.
But we can’t live in the past. 2016 brings new hope and new opportunities for ministry. As we continue to look around with new eyes into the community, let us be increasingly attentive to where might live the intersection of our resources, our passions, and the needs of those around us. Let the gifts God has blessed us with move us to action in new and exciting ways.
I have said it many times, but God keeps feeding me glimpses of what’s coming. I don’t have a full picture yet, but every time I catch a glance, I get so excited. God only knows where God is leading us, but I can’t wait to journey with you all on the way there! May this truly be a Happy New Year!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian Siegle
