Welcome to the New Year of 2023! American Recording artist Prince released the song “1999” on October 27, 1982. I was twelve years old, and I recall thinking, wow, 1999, will we even see that year here on earth; will I be alive…well, yes and yes. The world remains, and I am nearing my 53rd birthday this month on the 15th. Through it ALL, God has blessed me, kept me, called me to ministry, and now to this newly elevated role as Bridge Conference Minister.
Furthermore, I am in as much wonder and excitement as I was when I heard the song “1999”. Thank you for your faith in God, trust in me, and all the gifts and talents bestowed upon me to respond to this call through love, joy, and excitement. I am, and I will “Put My Whole Self In” as I serve and journey with each of you in this Conference. My excitement about this collective ministry makes me smile. Please know that I am here to listen, support, and build relationships with all. There is no me without each of you and no Conference without your gifts, time, talents, treasures, voices and love.
Psalm 125:1-2 (The Message) reads: Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain: Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on. Mountains encircle Jerusalem, and God encircles God’s people – always has and always will. Amen.
No matter what happens in your life, you can rely on the unchanging God to be with you, walk with you, lead you, guide you, and God is always surrounding you with outstretched arms. We are imperfect people, living and imperfect, yet that does not change God’s amazing Grace and love toward us. God provides and will see you through no matter where you go or what you do. May your soul be anchored in the Lord while the storms of life and this rainstorm pass over.
When all hope seems lost, when everything around you appears to be falling apart, you need not worry or be shaken. The Holy One will always be there looking out for you, protecting you, and loving you more than you love yourself. God has your 360.
I hope and pray that in this New Year and season, we will love one another as God loves each of us. Love one another as God’s Blessed Creation in this Conference as the Church! May that deep love draw us nearer to the communities in which we live and serve.
