God is a community of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are made in God’s image to experience and reflect his love. And through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are adopted into God’s family. So why is real community so hard to find? And what does a loving community look like, anyway?

If you were called before God, could you stand in his presence? The prophet Isaiah records that in 740 BC, he saw the Lord on his throne, and the experience drove him to his knees. His response shows us that worship is more than an event or an activity, it is a heart aligned toward God, one we can only have through God’s gracious initiation.

Where do we go from here? As we start a new year and a new season of ministry together, we look back at our vision and values to guide us. We have a new structure for pastoral leadership at Faith. But it’s based on Jesus’ example of servant leadership. Finding our identity in the gospel frees us to joyfully love and humbly serve others to the Father’s glory. Let's focus on Jesus’ call to humble leadership.

2017 starts with big changes at Faith as I start my new half-time role and Pastors Jeff and Joey step into their new roles. I look back with deep thankfulness to God and to you, the Faith Church family; but also a look forward with you to serving under our new pastoral leadership. We rejoice in the truth of Philippians 1:6. I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.

“This year I’m going to …” January rolls around, and many of us look at things we’d like to do better or differently. And many of us know what it’s like for our resolutions to crash on the rocks of reality. Is there hope for lasting change? Can I really become the person I want to be and God created me to be? How does God help us change? We’ll look at Genesis 32 for hope and help. You don’t have to stay the same!