"For the Sake of Others: Open Hearts, Open Hands"

This year promises to be an exciting one! We want to join hearts and hands and “with one voice” glorify God in our serving others. The congregational focus this year will emphasize being involved in wonderful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. Look at the list below of things already planned:

* Winter Series=”Loving Others as Ourself”
* DR Workshop weekend (Dominican Republic)
* Love Bear Workshop
* Small Group new study on Luke
* Habitat for Humanities
* Hearts on Fire
* Worship Weekend with Randy Harris
* Summer Series focused on “Radical Hospitality”
* David Fleer in September

These are just a few of the opportunities afforded us in our congregation to use our gifts for the glory of God. Listen to this verse from Peter’s pen:

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Notice some important points…

· Our gifts are received from God
· They are for the purpose of serving others
· Faithful administration of those gifts defines personal stewardship
· God’s grace comes in various forms

Let us each encourage one another this year to use our grace gifts in all of their diverse forms in our congregation to serve others in the most faithful and humble way we know how. We are here for the sake of others. Our own personal, spiritual growth is so that we can become faithful servants more like Jesus every day. We join hearts and hands in this exciting new adventure. May our community life of faith be one of mutual empowerment as we live to the glory of God for the sake others! In Christian love, Curtis

P.S. Fellow colleagues in ministry: it is important for us to be reminded every day that our giftedness in ministry is just that...a gift. We deserve nothing. We can boast about nothing. We can take credit for nothing. Transformed hearts produce open hands. Closed hearts produce closed hands. As I look at my open hands, what do I see in them this year? Will there be a "cup of cold water" being offered in the spirit of "radical hospitality" that is inspired by compassion, motivated by gratitude and offered as encouragement? This trilogy of a treasured heart in Jesus can radically change the world around us.

We are called to step out in faith and let God use us to challenge the status quo by our example. We are being made daily into the image of Christ for those to see what they cannot see...the living Lord in daily form. Let us abandon self for God's greater plan. Amen.