Friends of Shalom,
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| Painting by David Zelenka - Baptism of Christ |
We are now several weeks into the season of Epiphany! This is a time in the church calendar following Advent/Christmas where we focus on the reality of Christ being revealed to the world. As the Apostle Paul said to Timothy:
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested (epiphany) in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
In Epiphany God is doing something new! His son is being revealed to the world through the star that guided the magi, the Father's voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism, the water turned into wine, and through Jesus' own pronouncement of the purpose of his ministry in Luke 4:16-21.
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
It must have been electrifying to be in the synagogue that day and hear Jesus say, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." In other words, "It's a new day!" This was Jesus' inaugural address. It contains his purpose, vision, and values for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus invites all who follow him to join in on that mission. This is something I can't help but be aware of in the work of church planting. Like the beginning of Jesus' ministry, we too are beginning something new. You too are a part of this work. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter, pray, and support Shalom Anglican!
Updates:
- We had a wonderful Advent and Christmas season! We were able to offer a mid-week Advent service throughout December, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day service.
- Some of our folks went Christmas caroling for the mother of one of our members who is shut in.
- We gave our first financial update to our church and saw some first time givers over the month of December.
- We were able to raise $9,282 for our year end gift (our goal was $12,000). About half of that came from outside support and the other half from within our own church. Thanks to all who gave!
- Recently we've had some new visitors who are sticking around!
- I continue to be encouraged by the community that is forming. A few weeks ago our fellowship hour (coffee/treats after church) was full and I enjoyed seeing new relationships being formed!
- We started our second catechism class. This one is being hosted by one of our core couples. Please pray for the 5 adults enrolled!
- We are planning our next Baptism (2/23). Please pray for the 3 adults preparing to be baptized!
- Please pray for my energy in the work. I've noticed I'm a little more tired than normal. Pray also for wisdom as there is much to do and develop.
- Pray that the Lord would continue to bring folks to Shalom and that we would continue to love and reach out to our friends. I was encouraged this last week as one brother shared with me how he's been inviting a friend to come check out our church.
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