January 5 Message From Your Pastors

On New Year’s Eve, we did nothing. Still recovering from the stomach bug, the Munn men went to bed early and I found myself with some journaling time.

So I followed the suggestion I was introduced to at a leadership conference this year and I wrote about things I was saying “Good-bye” to and things I was greeting with a “hello.” I prayed for faith like Alice Jumba who doesn’t burden herself with worry or anger. I prayed for our trip to Kenya. That God would speak to us through that experience. I prayed that my body would feel well enough to absorb all that I am meant to (I’m not a great traveller). I thanked God for God’s provision as we received some unexpected gifts that are helping to support the trip. Incredible Lord! We see you! Also, thank you, church, for your generous Christmas gift!

I prayed for the church. I prayed for our many generations. I prayed that God would unite us. I prayed that God would shower God’s grace upon us. I prayed that we would be knit together in mission for more people to know Jesus more deeply. I prayed for our teens, that their faith would touch their lives, easing their stress, helping them with decisions. I prayed that God would help them turn their dreams of success and happiness into real life. I prayed against obstacles. I prayed against obstacles for the church, both real, spiritual and imagined.

I prayed for eyes and ears to see and hear how God sees our church, our family, myself. I prayed for our neighborhood – both the church’s and ours.

I prayed for people whose lives and loves have intersected with mine. I prayed that the Lord would show me how to live authentically and missionally in each relationship.

I said hello to faith, hello to growth, hello to challenge and hope.

What are you saying “good-bye” to in 2024?
What are you saying “hello” to?
What are your prayers for the coming year?

Grateful for all our prayers together! May God hear them all! Amen.

Pastor Karen

PS.  ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF AT OCC,  THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS CHRISTMAS STAFF GIFTS.