See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. -Isaiah 43:19

It has been a year of new things. Last year, I wrote “We are well-suited for such a time as this. We have the right moderators and council chairs in place. We have solid leadership and a congregation that cares. I am so thankful to be your pastor and to be a part of such a fantastic group of people who found themselves in an unprecedented time and responded with love of God and neighbor… which is what it’s all about.”

That has remained true. And we have covered many miles! Here’s a snapshot of the ground we covered:
-Shifted to virtual worship and meetings
-Started two Facebook Live Bible Studies on the Gospel of Luke and Acts with the adults, and journeyed with the kids in the Spark Bible
-Studied Jan Linn’s “Unbinding Christianity” on Zoom and even had the author join us!
-Blessed backpacks and mobile devices
-Studied “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone on Zoom in September
-Reopened thanks to our Re-opening Team from September- November when Medina was at the orange/yellow COVID risk level
-Had wonderful Christmas Eve and Easter outdoor services, along with 6 vespers services in the summer.
-Hosted a drive-thru Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes
-Confirmed a 12 young adults in an afternoon service
-Added 21 new members!
-Hosted a Mardi Gras Zoom Dance Party
-Read, Reflect, Received, and Reflected together on our Lenten Zoom calls
-I also officiated 11 funerals and 2 weddings in 2020

Last year, the three things I focused on were:

1. Work with council to re-open the church: Even after the governor allows mass gatherings, we won’t be back to normal right away. I will work with council to see how we will come back and worship in real time, and what changes need to be made short-term and long-term.
   -This has proven true. I’ve been ready to be back in person, but our team (as of this writing) has decided that we’re not quite there yet. A little more patience is required as we don’t want to quit in the last mile of this marathon. I’m thankful for this group and for council’s discussion on how best to keep safe. We’ll keep this conversation going.
2. Invest in our leadership: My hope is to become a leader that makes leaders. If you’re involved in our committees, you should feel like it is adding skills to your personal and professional life as well as you finding gifts within yourself and among your neighbors.
   -We have added to our roles. We’re getting the right people in the right places. We’re having good conversations about our future. The tools we need are already in our hands, and I’m learning so much from each of you.
3. Continue with my Doctorate of Ministry: Generate a project proposal and outline, get approvals from MTSO and council and then get started on it.
   -The journey continues! Council has been meeting in a new way, and we will wrap up the project in May. We’ll take stock of what worked and what didn’t. I’ll write my dissertation and submit it to MTSO. There is a lot of writing and work still ahead in this department, and I would appreciate your prayers in the last leg of the journey.

This year I am focusing on:

1. Host weekly staff meetings to enhance communication, teamwork, and keep the good vibe going among our amazing staff.

2. Refocus on our mission to welcome, love, and serve, and see what new things God is leading us to. I will host 3 book studies on each part of the mission to discern our next steps.
3. Finish my doctorate. Let’s get this thing done!

I believe this past year has reminded us of our purpose, mission, vision, and need for community. I predict that this time next year, we will be standing in awe about where God has led us.

I see great accomplishments and shining moments in this year, which has been indescribably hard for us all. God has been with us each and every step. May we keep the faith and keep following this God who is doing a new thing.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Luke