Last winter, my dream for the church was to have a church retreat this year to begin crafting a vision and dream for this church community. We actually began the conversation at our annual meeting when we read and discussed our church covenant. But then the pandemic happened and put those plans on hold. With the promise of a vaccine being realized and the hope of reunion on the horizon, I felt it was time to turn our attention back to discern how God is calling us to love and serve like Christ in the world.
Our Advent focus on “Those Who Dream” has been a way of restarting that conversation. As we celebrate and welcome the Christ child this Christmas, we’ll move from being “Those Who Dream” to “Those Who See Visions” in the coming season of Epiphany.
I’m excited to continue dreaming and begin casting a vision with you. Starting in January, we’ll convene a group to prepare the way. We’ll begin by meeting once a week to read and discussing a book. From there we’ll put together a plan with some help from an innovative ministry grant. We’ll meet virtually every Thursday in January starting Jan. 7.
This group is open to anybody. If you have a heart for God, a love for others, and a desire to dream for this church, let me know.
If your heart and dreams center more on the care and comfort of God’s people within the congregation, you’re invited to join a group that will occasionally meet to discuss ways to promote and provide for congregational care. So if you like to write cards, talk on the phone, make food, or connect with others in creative and meaningful, please let me know.
With a new year right around the corner, I’m excited for what this next chapter holds for Community Baptist Church. I’m honored to be on this journey with you and look forward to our dreams becoming real.
In Love,
Pastor Annette