At this time of year, most people are looking to finish strong and start well as 2016 comes to a close and 2017 begins.
Not only are there gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, parties to attend and oh yeah, a little work to be done - there's also getting our financial house in order, closing out the books and hopefully a little time of reflection.
As I look back upon the ministry of New Life in 2016, there are many ministry efforts that have been wrapped up as gifts of blessing - work with The Unstuck Group, 2020 Vision Initiative, Nights of Worship, the BIG SERVE, LifeGroups studying Believe and Greater and BeRich, Website and newsletter and Facebook enhancements, Connections and Volunteer strategies being implemented and so much more!
Most of all, I'm thankful for the gift of those who served on ministry teams who were wrapping these gifts for others. I marveled as I watched them cooperate with the Spirit of God and lean on God's wisdom, direction and leadership. There are NUMEROUS people who have served on particular teams for years and in the new year will redirect their talents, skills and efforts to different ministries - each one living out what it means to be a follower of Jesus by serving God through the church - each one an inspiration to me!
I hate to mention names because I never want to leave anyone out, but I at least want to give a little shout out to our Team Leaders, Team Captains, Team Champions - whatever you want to call them, I call them Massive Blessing Coordinators:
- Susan Keen (Trustees)
- Jorge Chazo (Technical Ministries)
- Amanda Stallard (Connections)
- Kurt Cooper (Missions)
- Tracy Cooper (Marketing/Communications)
- Shelley Neofotistos (Family Ministries)
- Mike Clements (Adult Discipleship)
To these Team Leaders who are transiting and all the other servants on teams moving into a new area of ministry I say - THANK YOU! Thank you for being a blessing through the gift of your countless hours of service to God's kingdom that we never thank you adequately enough, but your efforts have had an everlasting impact!
I'm humbled by your dedication, devotion, loyalty, creativity, ingenuity, persistence, perseverance, skill, time, talent, passion, knowledge, insight, prayers, vision, sweat, character and love that you applied to ministry through New Life all for the honor and glory of God.
Well done! And with all that is within me... THANK YOU!
Truly blessed,
Pastor Mike
