Dear friends in Christ,

     Have you heard the old adage, "Be careful what you ask for 0 you just might get it?"
     I think that's come true at Lincoln Chapel.  I believe that several people have diligently prayed that God would give us new opportunities for ministry.  And - now those opportunities are upon us.
     If we look seriously at what's ahead for our next year of ministry together, we can see that God is truly working within our congregation.  And it's exciting!  Let me tell you about some of these new opportunities.
     +Our church is blessed with many young children.  While the average age of most Protestant congregation is rising, ours is dropping.  Having an abundance of children creates its own set of issues.  Yes, Sunday School and worship times are noisier.  But God has shown us our future.  In a time when most congregations are seeking ways to get young families with children to come to church, we are already working on the next step:  gearing ministry to those children and their families.
     +Our church is blessed with motivated workers.  In our busy society, it is rare to find individuals to commit to a task and see it through.  We have had several people take on new tasks this past year - and even revive old tasks that others were no longer able to do! - and enhance our congregation's ministry.  A great strength of Lincoln Chapel is the attitude of:  "If it's got to be done, let's do it."  I am proposing that we direct more ministry along these lines.  Let's let the people with a passion for specific ministries run with them, for they are sure to succeed!
     +Our church is blessed with imaginative leaders.  God has given us every resource to have an extraordinarily successful ministry - even the right people to lead us ahead as we step out in faith.  I encourage all our leaders to approach ministry with an open mind and heart.  For God will fill our minds with the right ides.  And He will fill our hearts with the determination and commitment to see the tasks through.
     Now that summer is over and autumn is upon us, it's time for us to "regroup" for ministry.  Let's examine where we need to use our church's strengths to invigorate our ministry.  And let's consider where we need a courageous vision for ministry in areas where we are tired.  Remember, we're all working together toward the same goal - serving our Lord.
     Let's use the opportunities God has placed right at our feet.  Let's work in ministry together - for our children.  Let's use our motivation and imagination for visioning and structuring our common work.  And let's open our arms to one another, and to the newcomer, as we reflect the joy and grace of Jesus.
     Blessings to you in this harvest season,

Pastor Jon West