Be at peace among yourselves… Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. -
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16-19
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16-19
Think back over the headlines that have flashed before us this year. The earthquake in Haiti, oil in the Gulf, trapped Chilean miners, foreclosures in a faltering economy… Again and again we have read about struggles for survival in the midst of great difficulties. Again and again, we have prayed for God’s healing to touch people’s lives in the midst of disaster.
Going ahead into 2010 from last year, we had great concerns that our own congregation might be heading for disaster. We were concerned about attendance in the midst of construction, fearful about income in an upside-down economy and troubled by differences in our own denomination. Despite the anxieties, the local headlines from Atonement this year have told a very different story – a story of growth, perseverance, and God’s abounding blessing:
v NEW “HERITAGE” SERVICE GROWS INTO A FAVORITE
An early service from January through May becomes popular with regulars.
v MISSION TRIP BRINGS HOPE TO LOUISIANA TOWN
Atonement youth helped start a VBS, paint houses and clean up after a tornado.
v CONSTRUCTION BEGINS – NEW LANDSCAPE PLANS IN PLACE
Beyond the orange barrels lies a future with a whole new look.
v NEW BOY SCOUT “TROOP 2” CHARTERED
Atonement gives space and support to a brand new scouting outfit.
v SERVICES MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE & ON DVD
Shut-ins and others can now receive copies of our weekly Sunday messages.
v ATONEMENT DAYCAMP DRAWS 17 CHILDREN
A whole week of fun, faith-filled activities rounds out youngsters’ Summer.
v PRIMICIAS DE CRISTO LEAVES; FIRST UNITY ARRIVES
A new Hispanic congregation begins meeting Saturday evenings.
v SYNOD DEACON TRAINING BEGINS
Five adults begin a two-year course in intensive discipleship.
v FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES GRANTS – BREAKS 200 BARRIER
As numbers swell, Bridgewater and Thrivent help pantry for holidays.
v NIGHTS OF REFLECTION DRAWS INTEREST FROM FINLAND
A visitor from faraway Finland attends and applauds evening program.
v BLESSING CUP BRINGS WORD AND WORSHIP INTO HOMES
Families share God’s presence around dinner table by passing the Blessing Cup.
Yes, 2010 has been a year of labor pains. It’s been a lot of work – requiring a lot of sweat and a lot of pushing, and we’ve generated enough friction and frustration to go around. But by numbers alone, this could very well be the best year Atonement has had in the last 10 years. As we keep coming back to the table there is the clear and confident sense that we are moving on towards better days.
Just look at the numbers of people being served through our food mission. Look at our growing partnerships in the community. Look at the variety of ministries and activities we’ve experienced throughout the year (check out the pictures available on the web at:
Look through this annual report, and you will see page after page of good news -- from the ministry team reports to the finances, you will read the stories of the year some feared would be a disaster – a year that has become a milestone.
While we struggle with parking, aging facilities, lack of space, the need for more volunteers and other internal issues, it becomes easy to miss the huge blessings that God brings: we’ve made it! This “little congregation that could” is doing it! God has given us all we need to meet our challenges, and your faithful participation helps make the difference.
While we struggle with parking, aging facilities, lack of space, the need for more volunteers and other internal issues, it becomes easy to miss the huge blessings that God brings: we’ve made it! This “little congregation that could” is doing it! God has given us all we need to meet our challenges, and your faithful participation helps make the difference.
My special request to you for 2011 is a vitally important one as we move ahead: PRAY FOR EACH OTHER (1 Thessalonians 5:25)! With all that’s going on in our congregation, your fellow members need your prayers more than ever. Pray for volunteers, leaders, planners, teachers, children and youth, shut-ins, prospective members, working members, out-of-work members, musicians, snowbirds, deacon candidates, inactive members, new members, young parents, singles, retirees, and (oh, yeah) your pastor. God has brought us all together to make us members of His family, our family, your family. Through the power of the cross He brings new life from out of the jaws of disaster, turns our doubts into hope, our misgivings into love.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS:
As you celebrate the birth of our Lord and the new year He brings, may the child of Bethlehem open your hands to share with others may He open your eyes to see the wonders of life. May He open your heart to His mercy and grace may He open your soul to find the peace of that sacred, silent night. Merry Christmas!
We love you all –
Pastor Scott, Susan, George, Brian, Harold & Smudge
Pastor Scott, Susan, George, Brian, Harold & Smudge
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