No cute animals. No hyperbolic statements. No shocking numbers. No shameless advertising. I simply want to encourage you to do all that’s humanly possible to be here the next two Sundays. Here’s why:
The December 31st message entitled, Do You Hear What I Hear, seems relatively safe, but the scripture to which I am attaching this title (Ezra 3:10-13) is no easy subject to hear or to speak. This will not be your usual canned, in-between kind of sermon. I have never spoken on this scripture before. This will be a very St. Andrew’s specific message.
Also, on the first Sunday in January, we will start the New Year with a Wesley Covenant Service, complete with all-Wesleyan hymns, communion, and the opportunity to renew your baptismal covenant. The part that won’t be Wesleyan will be that it will last only around one hour, and NOT the 2-3 hours of John Wesley’s days.
How we see our role as followers of Jesus Christ matters. And how people perceive we are living out that message of following Jesus Christ matters. These two services are important because they have a lot to do with how 2018 may take shape both from an individual perspective and as a church. We have had a wonderful Christmas season. The children and youth inspired us greatly, and the hand bells and choir raised our spirits. It is a very good time to be a part of St. Andrew’s UMC. Let’s make 2018 a year to remember for all the right reasons. Merry Christmas.