Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first week of 2009! Just 51 more weeks to go! How’s your year going so far? Made any new commitments? Set any new growth plans in place? On Sunday I shared about the 2008 bookmark we used as a reminder of new goals for last year and the personal progress (and lack thereof) I had made in several areas. I also invited everyone to come forward who had completed reading the Bible through in one year. Thirteen people did just that, so I gave each one a “green” bookmark is US currency. (Yes, your Senior Pastor was handing out $$ - tell your friends and neighbors! ). Others of us will be completing our “Bible reading year” in 2009!

The only way to growth is to do something new! I challenge you to set aside some time and ask God what goals He has for you in 2009. You received a new 2009 bookmark on Sunday just for that purpose with several good ideas. Your church is here to help! Since we are mind, body, and spirit, I hope you’ll look at goals in each of those areas. Last night, we got off to an amazing start with The Truth Project. Harris Hall was packed with over 125 adults enjoying a great meal and challenging presentation on “What is Truth?” by Dr. Del Tackett. This promises to be a “mind and faith stretching” journey for us all in the First Church family! (We were also blessed to have some guests, too. If you missed out last night, you can still get on board this Sunday or register online today!)

Goals should always be S.M.A.R.T.: Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Timely. Here are just a few of our First Church goals for 2009: (1) 120+ adults engaged in The Truth Project, (2) 48 new faithful members of First Church, (3) Produce a new Church Pictorial Directory (pictures to be taken in February), (4) Offer a Confirmation Class for 6th-8th grade (begins Feb. 8), (5) Begin a new Adult Sunday Morning Class (begins on February 15 at 8:15 with Kitty Ramirez), (6) Spring Break Youth Missions trip, (7) Celebrate our 120th Anniversary on April 19th with actor Roger Nelson portraying John Wesley, (8) Holy Week Drama and Special worship services, (9) Biggest Marathon Outreach ever!, and (10) a Children’s Musical, “It’s Cool in the Furnace!”

God is up to something at First Church and I’m so glad you’re a part of it!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. See you this Sunday as we begin the series, Lies People Believe.