God’s goodness and mercy has granted us to see this New Year, 2025.

 

I am grateful for all who worship God here & support First Baptist Church!

 

With the words of the Apostle Paul, I bless you:

 

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply
your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity…
for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs…
but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.”
II Corinthians 9:10-12

 

Praise God, at the time of this writing, our 2025 pledge tally is as follows:  Local: $58,150 and Missions: $9,972.  We bless God for strengthening our faith even in the hard trials faced and that have carried over from 2024.

 

But Christ is indeed attentive to us! We are one vineyard among many of His beloved.  He has not ceased to ‘make us lie down in green pastures and restore our souls’ at every turn.  Healing and deliverance is available to all who allow the working of God’s love to cover the multitude of sin.

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As we begin this year humble before Christ, remember the message of joy from Third Advent Sunday: The Holy One is in our midst and we have the right to draw from the wells of salvation with joy! (Isaiah 12)  The Holy Spirit will continue to comfort us in our weaknesses and fears and fill up anything lacking in the work of the ministry.  God sent the Holy Spirit to help us navigate this way of faith in the Messiah, the Sent One – Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

The Holy Spirit empowers us to keep joyful in faith rather than live in fear of bad news! Surely as we continue to read and look to His Word for hope and direction, we will give God our hearts’ best.  As ‘one people in Christ’ we can nurture the joy of God as we share in the work of the ministry and bless those who need both practical and spiritual relief. Amazing mission work is ahead!

 

Again, I thank God for your sharing of yourselves this past year in so many ways and sacrificially in the giving of your time, physical energy, authentic smiles and kindness and hugs; in resources and finances and talents and skills; in encouragement and much, much prayer!

 

May God be glorified through us even more in this year ahead!

 

Look to new mercies and rich blessing in Christ in 2025!

Pastor Catherine

 

 

 

If you must look back, do so forgivingly.

If you will look forward, do so prayerfully.

But, the wisest course would be to be present in the present…gratefully.

Maya Angelou