From the Pastor

January 2004

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. -- Jeremiah 29:11

Now is the time of year when many people formulate resolutions for the upcoming twelve months. Often, people resolve to try to "better" themselves--by attempting to lose weight or increase their fitness level, by avoiding unhealthy behaviors and patterns of various kinds, by trying to be kinder and gentler, by sticking to a budget, etc.

I have never made a New Year's resolution. Perhaps I am afraid that I will fail. Perhaps I am just resistant to the idea. Perhaps I have a hard time choosing between all of the things that I could and should "work on" in the next year! Whatever the reason, I will not begin 2004 with any resolutions.

I will, however, begin 2004 with hopes and prayers. I hope and pray that in this year, our world may find ways to promote and sustain peace. I hope and pray that places where hunger and poverty are the norm will see an increase in sharing from those who have an abundance of resources. I hope and pray that I may see in myself an increase in faith, compassion, and the fruits of the Spirit. I hope and pray that I may find strength and joy in my relationship with my God, my family, and my sisters and brothers in the faith.

I have hopes and prayers for our congregation, as well. I hope and pray that we will find new ways to spread the Gospel, and that our times of worship, study, and fellowship together will nourish and energize us to do the work of the kingdom of God. I hope and pray that those among us who are hurting may find comfort and compassion in the words and deeds of members of their church family. I hope and pray that we can work together to reach out to those who long to hear God's Word spoken in love, both within the membership of Holy Redeemer and in the community. I hope and pray that we will always be open to new ways to be reflections of the Light of the World.

I do not make New Year's resolutions...perhaps because they seem to depend so much on me and what I think I can achieve on my own. I have hopes and prayers...because I know that these things are in the hands of God, and that God's power is greater than anything I could ever accomplish on my own.

God's blessings to you in 2004.
In Christ,
Pastor Brenda