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I don’t know
about you, but I can’t hardly get my fingers to even
type the word “New Year,” much less say it out loud.
Nevertheless, it is here.
This has been quite a year in the history of Francis
Asbury. The long-range plans for building have been
realized in the completion of the Howard Building. We
have said goodbye to faithful members who have entered
the church triumphant. We have welcomed new members and
made new friends. We have reached out to the community
and those in need in new ways and with unprecedented
generosity.
With all these accomplishments in 2008 we should be able
to sit back and cruise, right? Wrong! The church is a
living organism. If living organisms don’t grow and
reproduce they will cease to exist. This is not the time
to slow down in our efforts to grow closer to God and in
reaching others with the good news of Jesus.
The end of a year and the beginning of a new year is a
time for evaluating what has taken place and
establishing goals to meet future needs. If Francis
Asbury is to maintain growth it is going to need more
from each of us this year. This year a “Maximum Effort”
from every person at Francis Asbury is needed (“Maximum
Effort” is the title of the sermon on Sunday, be sure to
come to hear more).
Each of you has something to offer to the ministry
taking place at FAUMC. Each of you is needed in the
ministry taking place at FAUMC. This year we will need
people volunteering to do everything from teaching
Sunday School to helping in the kitchen to taking off
the trash. There is a place for you and your gifts. I
ask you to prayerfully consider how you may use your
gifts to serve Jesus this year. “If any of you wants to
serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am,
ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will
honor and reward anyone who serves me.” (John 12:26, The
Message)
May you have a Happy and Blessed New Year!
Love, Fred |
