Beloved,
Welcome to 2009 and the next great phase in the development of our beloved Abundant Hope Christian Church! What a year 2008 has been for us. We have seen great changes in the make up and in the life of our church. I have watched God sustain us through parting with old friends and embracing new ones. I have watched God turn us into landowners even as our nation and people are in tough economic times. I have watched God order and direct as He sees fit and have learned in an even greater way to "lean not to my own understanding." 2009 will find us a different church and me a different pastor but one thing remains - there is still Hope in Jesus Christ!

For those of you that have walked with me during our series on Spiritual Gifts it's time now to put your Servant Profiles to work. There are areas in the ministry that are ripe for "new blood" and fresh ideas. From public relations to youth ministry, your church has an area of ministry in which your gifts are needed. You've heard of a career fair haven't you? Well stay tuned for Abundant Hope's 2009 ministry fair.

We're going to have a day when all of our ministry areas will be on display so you can ask questions and get involved.

I believe that for many of us 2009 will be the year of the impossible. The bible declares that "I can do all things through Christ." I invite you to continue the year with me in our preaching and teaching time considering our Easter series - POWER: How to get it and what to do with it."

As people of Hope we have more power than we realize. I invite you to walk with me as we celebrate the return of flowers knowing that if God will do it in nature then there's hope for our Big comeback! I love you and I love being your pastor. 2009 - Let's get to it!
PM