A New Year for a New Beginning
New and Renewed
January 14, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Isaiah 43:14–21
When preachers talk about a vision for the church, a preacher often talks about specifics. The specifics could be starting a new program, investing in a specific ministry, revamping a current worship service, embarking on a city-wide evangelism outreach or a building campaign. The vision is lived out in the details. But what if it was not? What if the vision was to be made new or renewed in Jesus? Isn’t that the promise of the Gospel? In Jesus we can be born again and transformed. Not only can we be transformed, but out of transformation we can share God’s grace with others. In our transformation, God transforms the environment around us. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed a word of hope from God to his people. This was a vision that God would make a new way for them, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth do you not perceive it?” Return to this verse from Isaiah 43 this week and consider what Jesus is making all things new, in you, through you, and through the life of First United Methodist. (Isaiah 43:14-21). For those of you who were at First United Methodist in October, return to the commitment of a New Beginnings and rest in how God is using this new beginning in you. In Christ, Rev. Sherri
New and Renewed
January 14, 2024 • Isaiah 43:14–21
When preachers talk about a vision for the church, a preacher often talks about specifics. The specifics could be starting a new program, investing in a specific ministry, revamping a current worship service, embarking on a city-wide evangelism outreach or a building campaign. The vision is lived out in the details. But what if it was not? What if the vision was to be made new or renewed in Jesus? Isn’t that the promise of the Gospel? In Jesus we can be born again and transformed. Not only can we be transformed, but out of transformation we can share God’s grace with others. In our transformation, God transforms the environment around us. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed a word of hope from God to his people. This was a vision that God would make a new way for them, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth do you not perceive it?” Return to this verse from Isaiah 43 this week and consider what Jesus is making all things new, in you, through you, and through the life of First United Methodist. (Isaiah 43:14-21). For those of you who were at First United Methodist in October, return to the commitment of a New Beginnings and rest in how God is using this new beginning in you. In Christ, Rev. Sherri
A New Year for a New Beginning
January 7, 2024
Did you know that the month of January is names for the Roman god, Janus? Romans believed Janus to be the deity of transition, gates, and duality. He can be recognized, because he is the god of two faces, one face to look forward and one to look backward. Thus, Janus looks to the past, while looking to the future. January is named for him, because as the first month in the new year, it provides an opportunity to look back and remember, while also looking forward to what is ahead. I not only invite you to spend some time looking back to 2023 and forward toward 2024, with your personal life, but also for the church. Reflect and thank God for the blessings of 2023 upon First United Methodist Church. Also, spend time praying for the year ahead. In both may we “trust God with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Happy New Year! Rev. Sherri
A New Year for a New Beginning
January 7, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds
Did you know that the month of January is names for the Roman god, Janus? Romans believed Janus to be the deity of transition, gates, and duality. He can be recognized, because he is the god of two faces, one face to look forward and one to look backward. Thus, Janus looks to the past, while looking to the future. January is named for him, because as the first month in the new year, it provides an opportunity to look back and remember, while also looking forward to what is ahead. I not only invite you to spend some time looking back to 2023 and forward toward 2024, with your personal life, but also for the church. Reflect and thank God for the blessings of 2023 upon First United Methodist Church. Also, spend time praying for the year ahead. In both may we “trust God with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Happy New Year! Rev. Sherri