Church family,

As we approach the dawn of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have taken together over the past six months. We have experienced moments of joy, sorrow, growth, and transformation within our church family. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering faith and commitment to our community. It is an honor and a joy to be your pastor.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I encourage each of you to embrace this opportunity for renewal and growth. The turning of the calendar is not just a change in date; it is a chance to reflect on our past, to learn from our experiences, and to look forward with hope and anticipation. On Jan 4, we will begin a new series titled "Onward" Deciding to follow Jesus (or to recommit your life to him) is like a journey. This four-week series starts the new year by looking at the essential elements of a successful journey, then applies them to our walk with Christ.

A Time for Reflection

Let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year.

What have you learned?

How have you grown in your faith?

What moments have brought you closer to God and to one another?

I encourage you to spend time in prayer and contemplation, thanking God for His faithfulness and guidance throughout the year.

I would love to hear your answers to the questions above. You can email me those responses at brandon@stjamesflorence.com.

Setting Intentions for the New Year

As we enter this new season, I invite you to set intentions for the year ahead. What are your spiritual goals? Perhaps you want to deepen your prayer life, engage more actively in service, or strengthen your relationships within our church community. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to seek God's guidance in these intentions and to share them with one another for support and accountability.

Join us, we will be reading through God's word together. We have developed a Bible plan that allows you to read the entire Bible in one year. Printed guides are available in the lobbies for you to keep in your Bible, and we've also created a dedicated page on our website for easy reference—more information about the Bible reading plan in a year below.

A Year of Service and Outreach

In the coming year, we will continue to focus on service and outreach within our community. Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and love to those in need. I am excited to announce several new initiatives, like partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace on a bed build at our church. These outreach opportunities allow us to serve our neighbors and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved!

Embracing Change

Change is often met with apprehension, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for growth. As we move into this new year, let us embrace the changes that come our way with open hearts and minds. God is always at work, leading us into new opportunities to serve and to grow in our faith.

A Call to Prayer

As we embark on this new journey, let us commit to prayer as a church family. I encourage you to join me in praying for our church, our community, and our world. Let us seek God's will in all that we do and trust in His perfect plan for our lives.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your faith, love, and support make our church a vibrant and welcoming place.

May this new year be filled with renewed hope, joy, and an even deeper relationship with our Lord. Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful New Year!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Brandon