Happy New Year!

The New Year gives us an ideal time to take a look back at the year that was. Did it go the way you wanted it to? Did you accomplish the things you hoped to? And perhaps, the most important of all, if you could change anything about the last year, what would it be?

Really, the New Years gives us a chance to do just that! To reflect on the year past, and change any of those things that didn’t go the way we had hoped. Each year can give us the opportunity for a “Do Over!”

That’s the topic of our Sermon Message on New Year’s Day. We will be looking over six areas of our lives, looking at how we did in each area. Ideally, we will strive for balance in these six areas. If you missed it, check it out on the website (www.AlmondUnionChurch.org).  Go to the Sermons tab, and you’ll find a link to the message.

Another opportunity to see how we’re doing will come at the Annual Meeting. I had told the Search Committee a year ago that I was doing a lot of studying and had some plans in formation. I will be unveiling them on January 29 at the Annual Meeting.

These plans will come in two forms. First, we’ll look at some things that I strongly believe should be our core beliefs as a church. I have about six statements that I will open up for discussion. I believe these should be non-negotiables that we as a church should be willing to fight for. I look forward to hearing what you think about them. If you agree, we will work as hard as we can as a church to live by them.  

The second form will be to roll out a new mission statement that summarizes the core values and clearly states our reason for being. This will be a very simple statement that will be easy to understand, and will show a simple process toward making disciples at Almond Union of Churches.

And last, but certainly not last, we celebrate 200 years this year!  A little more on that on page two, but on May 6 we turn 200 years old. We’re planning a year long celebration to remember our rich history.

I’m excited. This is an exciting time to be here. I hope you feel it. It’s going to be a great year!