You wouldn’t necessarily know this, but … every sermon, every worship service, every day begins with a blank sheet of paper.  When I go on vacation, I normally set aside 2 or 3 days (in addition to my R-n-R time) to plan sermon series.  I begin with the Bible, the calendar, and a blank sheet of paper.  And so, we begin The Year of Our Lord, 2022.  Where I God leading us?  What does God will us to become?  And what would God have us do in 2022 in order to accomplish His will and reach the goals He has for us?

Interesting questions, don’t you think?  Now, one way to look at it would be to ignore it.  We can ignore the previous questions and simply do what we’ve always done.  We could take a day to day, week to week approach to church life, swinging, like Tarzan, one vine at a time.  OR we could prayerfully discern God’s goals for us and based on God’s desired future, we could set goals and plan events and activities that will help us live into the fullness of God’s desired future for Blakely First UMC.

On Saturday, January 15, we will hold an All–Church Planning Meeting.  “All–Church” means everyone in the Church Family is invited, but elected leaders are expected.  As we gather, refreshments will be provided.  At 10AM, we will begin with a devotional; then, break into groups to openly discuss God’s Vision, Our Needs, and Setting Goals.  Then, we will put events on the Church Calendar.  So, come!  Come with your ideas and your plans.  Share them around the table and see if others agree with you and let’s set goals for 2022 that mirror God’s will for our life together.

I’ve set aside some time after Christmas for a family get away.  So, I’ll be away for the last few days of December and the first few days of January.  I’ll be planning sermon series for the Spring.  There are two additional things I’d like you to put on your calendar.

Baptism Sunday – January 9^th is Baptism of our Lord Sunday.  It is a day set aside to commemorate Jesus’ baptism by John in the River Jordan.  We will do this by having a Baptismal Service.  There are two young girls who have made a profession of faith and wish to be baptized.  This will be a special time for them.  Everyone will be invited to renew their baptism.  If you haven’t been baptized and are ready to make a profession of faith, please call me (229) 205 – 0382.

40 Days of Purpose – From Feb 13 to Apr 10, we will be engaged in a Church – Wide Discipleship Program, 40 Days of Purpose.  Adults, Youth, and Children will ALL participate. 

                                                                             Pastor Tucker