A Message from Pastor Chad – Happy New Year!
Good morning and Happy New Year! I’m so grateful for all the time spent with family and the rest we received last week on vacation. Thank you to Brian Hurd and Steve Hurd for filling in the pulpit and for all those who contributed to the service on the 31st.
This week someone mentioned to me that 2024 will be a challenging year. As we contemplate this new year ahead, some of us will be bursting with eagerness and excitement, others of us will have a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. Most of us will have a little bit of both. No doubt that this year will bring its share of personal challenges and opportunities. Our nation will be challenged in an election year as we prepare to vote for the kind of future and country we want to live in. Our church will seek to continue growing and transforming in ways that will connect with our community and fulfill Christ’s call to love one another. With all that awaits us I hope we can remember who we are and whose we are. We each are part of the Body of Christ and seek to re-present Christ in what we say and do. We are not perfect people, but perfectly loved people called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After 2024 is over… what do you want to be able to say about yourself? your year? your life? How do you hope to grow in your faith?
This Sunday churches around the world will celebrate Epiphany and/or Baptism of Christ Sunday. Together we will continue our Advent/Christmas series in the Gospel of Luke by looking at Luke 3:21-22. It is a short passage, however, contains a beautiful affirmation of God’s love for Christ in his baptism and a message for each of us as well. How much do we trust in our own belovedness?
Thank you for being a part of the Mantua Center Christian Church and may God bless you in 2024 and beyond. Looking forward to being with you in worship on Sunday!
Peace in Christ,
Chad
