Dear Christian Friends,
As we step into this new year, we do so with hearts full of hope and a renewed commitment to the work God has called us to. Last Sunday, as we gathered in the sanctuary, I preached a message on “Calling the Church Back into Service.” Our world has endured many challenges, and as the body of Christ, it is time for us to rise up, be strengthened, and walk boldly in our calling to serve.
In the scripture passage from Zechariah 7:4–8, God calls us to reflect on our actions and attitudes towards Him. The Lord asked the people of Israel why they fasted and mourned without true repentance, and He reminded them that their actions should be rooted in justice, mercy, and compassion. As we enter 2025, we must ask ourselves: Are we sincerely living out our faith? Are we faithfully serving those around us? May this year be one where we turn our hearts back to God, serving Him with dedication and love, not out of obligation but out of a genuine desire to honor Him.
In 1 Timothy 5:4–8, Paul speaks to the importance of honoring widows, family members, and all those in need. He calls the church to care for one another, emphasizing that true faith leads to good works. We are reminded that our faith is not passive but should be demonstrated through our actions. It is time for the church to return to the work of service—caring for the widowed, the orphaned, the oppressed, and the weary. Our faith must translate into tangible acts of love and service, and this year we must commit ourselves to doing just that.
As we learned in our Sunday School lesson this week, Lamentations 5:1–22 speaks powerfully about suffering and the cry for restoration. We, too, may find ourselves in seasons of hardship, but I urge you to lift your voices in faith and hope, knowing that God hears our cries and is faithful to restore. As we reflect on these scriptures, I encourage each of us to renew our commitment to service. May we be a church that answers the call to serve with the compassion and grace of Christ. Let us step forward this year with hearts of service, mindful of those suffering around us, and always seeking to bring the light of Christ to those in need.
In light of our call to service, we must also look toward the most vulnerable among us, the sick, the shut-in, and those facing struggles beyond our immediate sight. I encourage each of you to commit to visiting and offering comfort to the sick and shut-in. Whether through prayer, words of encouragement, or acts of kindness, these visits are a reflection of Christ’s love, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Additionally, as we gather and worship, let us not forget those in our community struggling with material needs. We are a family, and we are responsible for sharing the blessings God has given us. I encourage you to continue contributing to the funds collected by the church. Every dollar shared is a seed sown into the kingdom, meeting the needs of those who are suffering and allowing us to be instruments of God’s grace in a tangible way. In the days to come, we will continue to pray, reflect, and act. I call on each of you to commit to being an active participant in this restoration process. Together, we can build a stronger, more loving community that reflects the glory of God.
May the Lord bless you all with a fruitful and fulfilling year as we work together in His service.
In Christ’s love,
Bishop John L. Ghee
