Just a note to see how everyone is doing after the “weekend”. We are very thankful to all who came to join us for New Years this year and are praying for your growth, change and blessing- not just this year but right now.

Remember that verse some of you memorized?

“I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in this body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” Gal. 2:20

I forgot to quote something that had been driving home the point for me at New Years. I was talking about sin that we struggle with. Some of you came up and nailed those to the cross and I thank you for honesty and participation. Hopefully it’s a reminder to you as you take what you heard and move out into the world this year. Remember that for your sin and mine he was impaled to that cross. We don’t have to be slaves to sin anymore. We are dead to sin and alive to Christ. Here’s the verse of a hymn I wanted to share but didn’t-

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought,

My sin not in part but the whole

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh my soul- It is well with my soul!

What a beautiful reminder! By the way, thanks for your behavior over our time at the rec. Center and in homes. We appreciate each one of you coming and acting in an appropriate way over New Years. We had one of the guys who was there on New Years eve to clean up after us say “we wish every group was as good as you, usually when we see a group of that size we see a huge amount of mess and cleanup, but not for you” I thought that was a nice pat on the back from an onlooker.

We’d like to make a plea for pictures and video that anyone took over New Years. We didn’t take too many ourselves but would love it if you could send them along to my e-mail. Also, any feedback or stories of how God is using New Years to speak to you would be great. We went through the 130 questionnaires that you filled out on New Years eve and we were quite encouraged. There was the usual request for more gym time, better timing, not so rushed, not so long sitting, breaks between speakers etc… and those are good and okay! We always try to fix some of those things and some years go better than others. But we did get a high number of people wishing we could have sung and prayed longer New Years eve. Point well taken and we aim to fix that this for the coming year. Having your suggestions come in is a way that we can refocus for the next year and try to make things run smoother and better. And you’re not alone- I wish we had just taken the time to sing and pray longer. The prayers were a highlight this year!

Also, if you need to talk to anyone about something you heard from them or a concern you had please contact them. Each person who spoke cares for you and is open for further private conversation. This isn’t license to bug them, but make sure you contact someone if you need help!

Finally, may God, our God, be allowed to have more of our lives this year for His glory. May He bless you and preserve you and use you for His work and in His Will.

We love you all very much.

Love Jeff and Marianne