Happy New Year!

Please let us pray.

Dearest God and Father, You have led us into a new year and new opportunities to minister on Your behalf. Lead us to move forward into the future, knowing that You are always leading us by means of the Holy Spirit, and serve You with gladness, grace, and favor. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, amen.

The year known as 2026 is upon us. We have watched the ball drop in New York City and are about to watch the Rose Bowl Parade and look for the Lutheran Hour Ministry float. Some of us, with family and friends will spend the day watching football games. Ah the new year is here.

Now what? What is next? What will the rest of the 364 days look like? What are your goals? What are you looking towards? With a new year comes many new questions? This is both on a personal level as well and for the congregation and school.

What is Faith Lutheran Church and School going to look like by the end of 2026? Do we really have any idea or are we just going to do the same things that we did last year?

Allow me to suggest that it is time to make goals for both the congregation and the school. It is time to serve God with purpose, direction, and focus. It is time to serve the Lord with gladness as we diligently move forward.

Let me give to you an example of what I am talking about. The Board of Elders has made a goal to make themselves known and available to you. So, this month every Sunday, three of the Elders will be introduced to you and are going to make themselves available to talk to the families under their spiritual care. By the end of the month, all the Elders will be introduced as your Elders. And you can stop and spend a few moments getting to know your Elder and your Elder know you.

What else? Look for announcements about ministries to the deaf people in our community. Look for announcements for opportunities to serve God through the social agencies more fully. Look for announcements about ways to serve in all four parts of our ministry here at Faith Lutheran Church and School. 

Let us serve on God’s behalf the people who need to hear Him and about Him. 

God bless,

Your servant in Christ, Pastor Robert