Welcome to 2018 – a new year filled with new possibilities and opportunities. As I put up new calendars this week, I thought about all the things that will happen over the next twelve months. I thought about all the Sundays that we will worship together, I thought about all the events that we will plan and carry out, I thought about growth and change and I said a prayer that God would take control of this new year and make it something special.
My focus for our church in this new year is growth. I want us to grow in our faith and understanding of God’s work in our lives. We will be reading the Bible through this year together. I hope you have begun, but if not, you can jump in anytime. We are offering more opportunities for Bible study and small groups that will give you an opportunity to not only learn more about God’s word but also build relationships and Christian fellowship. We will continue offering opportunities for service in our community and throughout the world. We will be trying new forms of worship at our 8:45 service, continue excellent worship at our 11:00 service, and explore other ways to worship and build community. I hope you will make spiritual growth a priority this year. Worship often, find a small group, read the Bible through, find ways to serve others, pray, and practice generosity and hospitality.
Growth also includes widening our circle. We have an opportunity to invite new people and share with them how special our Chamblee First family is. We will be looking for new ways to tell people about our faith in a grace-filled, loving God. We will be looking for ways to connect new people to our church. I encourage you invite your neighbors to join you in worship, study, and service.
I am excited about this new year and look forward to working with you to discern God’s path for our future.
God’s blessings,
Rev. Carol Cook