Happy New Year!! Do you like a fresh start!!

Happy New Year!!

Do you like a fresh start? I know that I do. There is something special about a new year. Over the past week, in the church office, we have been finishing up all the paperwork, finance bookkeeping, attendance figures, budget review, etc, as we bring 2010 to a close. Maybe you have been doing the same at your house, trying to figure out how your finances did in 2010. You took down the Christmas decorations and maybe realized that you need to get into that garage, basement or closet this year and get out the old stuff that nobody is using.  Sometimes though, we can get so busy taking care of last year's stuff that we don't focus on the opportunities of the new year.

This year I decided to spend some time, in the week after Christmas, looking forward to 2011. I spent time planning sermon series, reviewing the goals I have for our ministry in 2011, calling people and asking them to step into new leadership roles, thinking about the changes with The Vine moving offsite in March and my return to the 11 Worship Service leadership.

Cindy and I have also been working on the New Course that is starting this week called Next Steps: Living and Loving Like Jesus.   This 7-week journey is designed for all who want to continue on a life-long journey with Jesus. Whether you are a committed disciple, a new believer, or still exploring questions of faith, everyone has a “next step” to take on the journey with Jesus.  In this course, we’ll explore seven essentials of Christian discipleship, offering tools for growth that are designed to meet you where you are, and help you take your next faithful step. Each evening begins with casual conversation over dessert. Then we’ll gather for a time of worship, learning, and small group discussion. Childcare is available upon request.

It's been great looking forward into 2011 and anticipating how God is going to touch our lives, how we can grow in our faith and help our church to grow. I know that the Homeless Shelter is going to stay open because churches like Bel Air have been stepping up across Harford County by giving in the Christmas season. We collected over $8700 in our Christmas Eve Offerings for the Shelter! It will give the shelter a fresh start in the new year.

So my question for you is, how will you grow in 2011? What fresh start in your faith will you take in 2011? Will you expect the same old, same old in your walk with Christ. Just getting by? Or will you seek to love God and live the life that Jesus wants for each of us?

Jesus us tells us there are some things we can do that will show us how to LIVE. Luke 10:25-28 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

I am starting a new series on Sunday that will focus on what it would mean for each of us to love God with our heart, soul, strength and mind! That pretty much sums up all of life and faith! Won't you join with me in being open to doing something new in 2011 and just maybe we will end up Loving God and Living Life in a most powerful way!

In Jesus,

Barry

PS I must admit that I have also spent some time this week planning how the Ravens will get to the Superbowl!! Just as we can only live for God one day at time, I know the road to the Superbowl is taken one game at a time. Go RAVENS! I've got my purple on!!