Pastor's Note | Monday, February 10th

I have been reflecting on the "benediction" by the Apostle Paul found in Ephesians 3.20-21, where he seems to stop almost in mid sentence to express his sense of the amazing wonder and majesty of God. His prayerful benediction is:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

January was a month filled with many evidences of how God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. We gathered for an Annual Congregational meeting and heard that we ended 2013 with a small surplus of funds. I'll admit there were times in 2013 when I thought we may have a shortfall. But God is able to do more than we imagine, and through your generosity, we ended well financially.

We also welcomed seventeen new members, people who are committed to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Leader in their lives, and who bring Spirit-given abilities that will better enable us all to be mature as disciples of Jesus - connecting with God, growing in faith, and serving in love.

Our Congregational Representation Team (CRT) continues to work with the Presbytery Representatives to forge a Joint Solution for our dismissal from, the PC(USA) and affiliation with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Please continue to pray for this process to go well and lead to a good conclusion. It has been encouraging to learn more about ECO and I am enthused to imagine what it will be like to be affiliated with other ECO churches. There is a clear theological foundation and a deep passion for all people to be welcomed and to discover the love of Jesus Christ. It is a healthy environment in which we will be encouraged, challenged, and supported in our ministry.

Thank you for your continues partnership in ministry as part of Good Shepherd. Your generosity, your prayers, your giving of time and talents, enable us to be faithful to our Lord who calls us to enable others to know him and follow him. Together let's boldly ask God to do far more than we even ask or are even capable of imagining - so that Jesus will be glorified in this, his church in this community.

Jim