WELCOME 2024...A NEW BEGINNING

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  We had a wonderful Holiday Season and Celebration at Fernvale CC.  Last Sunday we celebrated Believer's Baptism with four of our Family.  What a wonderful time.  Each baptism was so special.  The words of introduction and encouragement shared by the family, Bill and Matt, were so special.  They were meaningful to us all.  I will never forget the excitement of Levi jumping up and down with joy when Zoe was baptized.  A true Celebration. Thank you to everyone who helps make the Worship and Fellowship of our Church so special.

With the New Year there is the feeling of a new beginning.  Many of us have a new focus.  We are resolved to do something new or different.  As I think about where we are as a Church I am so excited.  We are experiencing the strongest growth that I have seen since being here.  There continues to be a spirit of love and excitement that fills the Church.  And though not perfect, or even close, our Church is healthy.  We are challenged with a variety of things.  But challenges can strengthen and better our Church - both physical things like "water" and inward items as well.  FCC has a strong history and weathered many challenges but continues to be a beacon of hope and place to worship, grow, and experience God's incredible, unconditional love.

So, I was thinking, what would be a catchy phrase to challenge our 2024 "new beginning" at FCC.  The phrase 'More in 2024' came to mind.  Let's make this year one of "mores".  More people joining our Family.  More of our Family being involved in more ways.  More opportunities for growth both as a family and individually.  Loving others more.  Loving ourselves more.  Laughing more.  Encouraging more.  Serving more.  Giving more.  Sharing more.  Doing more.  Growing deeper in our walk with our Lord and ultimately, becoming more Christlike.  As this happens we become more, being "difference makers" and "transforming" ambassadors of Christ.   

Paul tells us:

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB)

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Romans 12:2 (CSB)

What is exciting is that as we experience and share these "mores", we will see lives changed, and even have the opportunity to experience growth and maturity in our own faith and walk.  But as always, the decision is individual and up to each of us.   So, I encourage you, as we move into the new year, the new beginning, to experience "more".

Our walk with the Lord is a Journey.  However, it is a Journey that is worth it.  We will explore this more Sunday.  I hope to see you then...

and as Always Remember...

YOU ARE  LOVED!

Pastor Lonnie

(On a very personal note:  Today is mine and Patti's 40th Anniversary.  Our Journey has been and continues to be crazy, challenging, and fun.  I am so grateful that God gave me such a life partner - Patti - to experience this Journey with.  I love you Patti Castle!  I am truly a Blessed man!)

(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)