Generations Family,
Recently, I received some medical news that was unexpected. Most of you know I have had some neck issues, and you even prayed for me during service. Sadly, I need neck surgery. I will be getting a two-level fusion in my neck January 9th. I am glad to start the healing process, but it comes at a busy time in the church. Needless to say, we had a very different plan for January!
Let me give you some good news, and then some details on the next few weeks.
We as the elders are very excited to bring you a very family oriented vision for 2023. We have spent the last few months praying, studying, and learning from others. We are very excited that God has given us a clear direction.
Psalm 78 teaches God’s people to learn God’s commands and pass them on to ensure “the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” [Psalm 78:6-7]
Our emphasis for 2023 will be raising up the next generation for Jesus. This means discipling our men and women, walking intentionally with our parents and their children, and engaging our grandparents who have so much to pass on us. No matter who you are, or what life stage you are in, we value you as an important part of our family. We want to engage with you to shape the future of our church. so that the next generation worships God even better than we do!
In January we are very excited to ordain and install five new Deacons. This will occur during the Sunday Worship Gathering on the 15th. We presented before you Edwin and Ashley Baires, Casey and Yvette Staggs, and Nancy Duncan, and it is our joy for them to serve in this leadership capacity.
In February we excited to add a part time pastor to our team. Pastor Jon Detlefsen, his wife and family, have been meeting with us over the last few months, and they have a wealth of experience in ministry. I look forward to you meeting them all.
Our plan was to bring all this to you on a Sunday in late January, but I will likely be out for the remainder of January. My surgery is early Monday morning, and I would appreciate your prayers. I will likely be out of the pulpit for the next four weeks, and in a neck brace for three months. Our elders, deacons, and staff, will continue to lead the church and provide for our worship services.
I am excited to be teaching this Sunday, and then have lunch with our new guests after service. Generations continues to see new families and individuals join us. It is indeed an exciting season of ministry.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Jeff
