December 2007

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
            Can you believe the year is just about over?  Was it a “good year” or a “bad year” -- for you, and for our church?  I’ll let you decide. 
            Let me recap the year for you: 
            My age, which I had successfully kept secret all these years, was finally revealed in -- of all places -- the Police Report in the newspaper.  From the time I unintentionally went deer hunting with my car.  And through it all, I found that I was loved and appreciated -- even by those I was under the impression thought I was too young for this job!    
            We all experienced -- individually and together at church -- the pressure of increased financial burdens.  The price of gas and heating oil.  Families in need here in the West End.  Repairs to our houses and to God’s house.  And through it all, God blessed our church with the most successful fundraisers in our church’s history, with much of the profit going to outreach.  And those fundraisers were FUN!  They brought us together for fellowship so much that we even forgot we were raising money! 
            Some in our congregation experienced painful loss.  Death of loved ones.  Brokenness in relationships.  Long-time friendships ended.  Yet through it all, we were able to rely on each other for comfort, and to rely on God for His strength and support.  New friendships and relationships were made and grown.  Families came together, as did our church family, when faced with tumultuous times.  God was there for us, and we were there for each other.  Every time. 
            Our church experienced significant division.  And through it, we grew stronger; closer to God and to each other.  It has been said, “Our church is now the best it’s ever been,”  Not because people left.  But because we -- Lincoln Chapel -- put our complete faith and trust in God.  We may never understand why it all happened.  But as painful as it all was, I’m thankful for where we are now.         
            So was it a “good year” or a “bad year”?  Either way, 2007 is just about over.  2008 is before us.  It’s a blank slate.  What will it bring?   
            Will it bring growth in our congregation and ministry?  Yes, I believe it will.  Will it bring pain, heartache, embarrassment, and loss?  Yes, I believe it will.  BUT I AM CONFIDENT that God’s grace will be sufficient not only to get us through it all, but that we will grow even closer to God and to each other through the adversities we certainly will share.   
            I’m thankful already for 2008.  I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that we will grow even closer to God -- and to each other -- through the good times, and through the hard times.  We’re in this together.  With God’s guidance and with our committed relationships, we can face anything. 
Marcia and I wish you a blessed holiday season --  

Pastor Jon West