Sunday Reflections – January 3, 2010

Here are a few thoughts on a GREAT DAY at Salem Naz…

It was a tremendous day of CELEBRATION!  You really came through with making the effort to be here at the close of a long holiday break.  You really came through in helping us with the PARKING ADVENTURE!  WOW!  You were fantastic!

Our volunteers were also FANTASTIC – shuttle drivers, parking lot attendants, greeters, children’s workers, nursery workers and more.  Each of you did a GREAT job to help make Sunday an HISTORIC DAY!

The sense of GOD’S PRESENCE and the gathering of the Salem First church family combined to give the services an air of excitement and expectation.  What a celebration we had! 

This past Sunday really sets the stage for a tremendous year.  2010 can be one of the most powerful, meaningful, and unforgettable years we’ve had around First Church for a long time.  We need to capitalize on the momentum and reach out to invite others to be a part of what God is doing: CHANGING LIVES.

There were a number of comments and remarks made by readers of the Statesman Journal in response to the GROUNDBREAKING article.  If you took the time to read any of the comments, you could be discouraged. HOWEVER, I was reminded that we were all once aliens and strangers from God and that we were full of rebellion and disdain toward Godly things.  Romans 5:8 tells us that it was “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The feelings expressed by onlookers reminded me again that we need to continue to connect with our neighborhood, its schools, its association board, through what we currently do and even more, so that they do see and know that Salem First Church of the Nazarene is a blessing to have as a neighbor. 

Thanks for your ongoing support, prayers, participation, giving, volunteering, and faith that God has great things in store for us together.

I’m so thankful for the past, but more excited about the future. 

See you Sunday!  Come expecting something great.

Pastor D