January

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

 “And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”

The new year is upon.  The celebration of the new year brings with it excitement about the possibility of what is yet to come.  What is it that God has in store for us this year at Zion UCC?  In what ways will God be at work in our lives?  What is it that God is calling Zion to do in this new year as we respond to our call to be God’s church?

Already, there is so much to look forward to here at Zion for this coming year.  2017 will mark 160 years of Zion doing God’s work in this world and making a difference in people’s lives and faith.  What an exciting milestone to celebrate!  When you think back on the last 160 years of this wonderful church family, what is it from our history and tradition that we will continue to carry with us into the next 160 years?  As we look to the future, what are the dreams that God is awakening within us, as we seek to be faithful to the ministry we have been entrusted to do?

I hope this year will afford us with new opportunities to do ministry.  Let me share with you one possibility.  Every summer the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ sends folks from our congregations out to be the hands and feet of Christ, as we seek to provide relief for those who have experienced disaster.  This summer people from around our conference will come together in Kokomo and South Bend to help people rebuild after flooding and tornadoes tore apart their lives.  Might this be one of the ways that we at Zion UCC respond to God’s call for our lives?

What dream is God awakening in you for this coming year and our ministry at Zion?  We need one another to help us discern what God is calling us toward.  We need one another to help make our ministry at Zion possible.  As 2017 begins, let us commit to one another to share in the work to which God is calling us.  Let us support one another in making the dreams God has given us a reality.  Let us never forget that God will be present with us in every day of 2017.

Pastor Sarah