This is the time of year to focus on the arrival of Jesus and the thousands of blessings that come with the miracle of his incarnation. It is also a time to reflect on the previous year – to both celebrate and lament what the Lord has done in our community.
Even by the most optimistic of perspectives, 2020 has been a difficult year. We have endured a contentious and divisive presidential campaign. We have navigated the largest racial justice movement since the Civil Rights era. And all of it has be done in the context of an unprecedented, global pandemic. Locally, COVID 19 has contributed to an atmosphere of physical and emotional isolation. It has created physical and financial pain. It has caused spiritual confusion and relational tension, as we continually re-negotiate what is irresponsible and what is overly-cautious. Weddings have been postponed, gatherings have been canceled, to say nothing of the lives that have been lost. The Church has endured seasons of political division before. The Church has endured seasons of societal chaos before. The Church has endured seasons of famine and plague. But rarely has she had to navigate all of these at the same time.
These are the cards we have been dealt, and it has taken a very real toll. Our March membership of 45 has shrunk down to 25 in December. Quarantine, stress and ambiguity has not been conducive for church growth. It’s right that we make room to process and lament these things before the Lord while also acknowledging the truth of Acts 17:26; that God appoints the times and places in which we live. Because, despite the realities of a health crisis and the logistical challenges that presents a church our age and size, we would be remiss not to take note of what the Spirit has done in the life of our church. In 2020, we have:
· Held a weekly Prayer Meeting (122 total)
· Hosted our 5th iteration of House Church
· Served as foster parents
· Supported low income families
· Partnered with sister churches to organize 2 city-wide racial justice events
· Partnered with Domestic Violence Intervention Center to provide Christmas gifts for families
· Provided pre-marital counseling/officiated 3 weddings
· Formally joined N.A.M.B.
· Prepared 1 missionary to be sent to Japan for 11 months
· Commissioned 11 graduates (2 into full-time ministry training)
· Provided leadership for Opelika M.O.P.S.
· Provided leadership for Perspectives
· Financially supported church plants in Alabama, South Carolina, Texas and Brazil
· Transitioned from a Sunday evening to a Sunday morning worship gathering
· Began renting a new facility in southwest Auburn
· Welcomed 2 new members
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:9
Take courage. Because of your union with Christ, you are deeply loved by the Father. You are completely accepted by the Son. And you are strategically sent out by the Spirit. All that is required of you… is live like what you already are.