HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!
No, I haven’t lost my mind or track of time. There happens to be a coincidence of the new school year starting at the beginning of September and the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) that starts this year at sundown on September 18th. Anyone who knows my thoughts on the New Covenant in Christ as it relates to us Gentiles (non-Jews) will know that I am very cautious of people who adopt Jewish traditions into their Christianity. However, I am certainly getting a sense of things starting afresh this fall. It’s like a brand new year is dawning.
There is a line of a song that is running through my head as I type this. Some of you may know it … I’m sure as I mention it those who have heard it will get the tune immediately. The copyright on it is 1963 and the song title and the last line of every verse is this: “For the times they are a-changin’.” Now what Bob Dylan was writing about is certainly not what I have percolating in my spirit, but I do believe the signs are all around of God changing things and bringing us into a New Year in Him.
After thirteen years in our building, Honey Bunny Christian Daycare is moving to a new and larger location. Change is happening for them as they will now be able to take in more children. They have constantly had a waiting list for placements in the daycare for years. Now we have the space freed up and the elders are praying about what God would have us do with it. When the Israelites entered into Canaan, they made deals with some of the inhabitants without consulting God and it lead to problems. We do not just want to get into another 5-year lease when God may have other purposes for the space before that lease would expire. Pray that we would clearly hear the Lord on this matter.
Fall is when we start up our ministries in full again after a summer break. Chris Wanechko, after serving diligently in ministering to Kids’ Church is stepping down for a much needed break. We bless him and know that God has great things for his future. Kyle Hebert has accepted the leadership of this ministry after being asked by the elders. Joyce Sey is also stepping down from overseeing the Nursery/Toddler ministry to look after her soon-to-be baby and we trust with her husband who is waiting to come over from Africa. We bless their family and ask for continued prayer that they might all be together soon. We do not yet have someone to take over this position. Our youth ministry will also be gearing up in August as Chris Bennett continues to lead it. Our monthly marriage events are back as well. Prayerfully consider what ministry God would have you involved in and speak with an elder if God is placing this on your heart as we have important planning and training meetings coming in August. We are endeavouring to do all to the best of our abilities and beyond our abilities in God and for His glory.
Join in the celebration … not just as part of the cheering section but actively in the midst of all the new that God is doing.
God’s grace and peace be with you all, Pastor Merril