Beloved Plymouth,
As we stand at the threshold of a brand new year, I wanted to share with you my personal greeting to each of you. Welcome to 2025, a divine opportunity for renewal, reflection, and recommitment to our spiritual journey together. We now begin the 155th year of our ministry together! God is faithful.
In the past year, we've witnessed the movement of the spirit in many ways: through moments of unexpected blessings in our lives; in the challenges that strengthened our faith; and in answered and unanswered prayers, as we discovered that sometimes, the ones not answered were blessings, too.
It may feel like we are in the hot seat—and perhaps we are. However, together as the people of God and followers of the way, we can shift the energy toward caring for one another; being ready to answer the calls of justice; and keeping our lamps trimmed and burning. I’m reminded of Lamentations 3:22-23, which states: "The steadfast love of the Holy One never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." What a beautiful promise as we enter 2025!
I hope that we will not be driven by fear, but by anticipation for how God will continue God’s faithfulness. This year, I encourage each of you to:
- Deepen your personal relationship with the holy, taking on a new spiritual practice
- Serve more actively in our church community, committing to regular attendance, giving and participation
- Extend love and compassion to those around you, to include you, and
- Trust God's plan, even when the path seems uncomfortable and uncertain.
More than ever, I pray that we welcome this new year with open hearts and hands moving in discipleship. May God bless our church and surrounding community in 2025, guide our feet, and use us as vessels of the love so needed.
In boundless love,
Pastor Kelle