January 8, 2010

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

I haven’t said a lot about New Year resolutions.  One reason is that I have had trouble keeping some of mine in the past, particularly in regards to physical exercise.  So I’ve “resolved” not to talk about that again until I’m actually doing it. 

 But making commitments or renewing old commitments is a good thing, if there is resolve to see them through.   Certainly my prayer for each of you and for myself is that we will resolve to deepen our faith in the coming year.  If one commitment can make the difference for all the other commitments one makes in life, it’s this commitment for disciples of Jesus Christ.

 It’s a commitment that takes discipline and intentionality.   It involves far more than just worship on Sunday, though it certainly involves that because of our need for communion with God and community with each other, but daily time with God as we read and study scripture, daily prayer and engagement regularly in service to others.

 This Sunday in both of our worship services we will reaffirm our baptismal vows.    Let me share them with you so you know what to expect on Sunday:

 Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

 I believe that as we are reminded of our baptismal covenant with God, these vows, these commitments will guide our living.  They will help inform the choices we make or don’t make.  They will help us open new doors and maybe close some old ones.   They will free us to live the abundant life that God offers through Jesus Christ. 

 These commitments aren’t easy, but with the power of the Holy Spirit at work and with others to share both the burdens and the joys of this life, they can be fulfilled. 

 In preparation for Sunday let me suggest you read Isaiah 43: 1 – 7 and Luke 3: 15 – 17 and 21 – 22.  These two passages are the texts for my message on Sunday – “Delighting in God’s Amazing Grace.”

 Three announcements:

 1.        Remember the Blood Drive today in the Fellowship Hall from 3:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m.  The need for blood during this season is high.

2.       There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary for the purpose of electing the members at large for this year’s Nominating Committee for ’09.   The current Nominating Committee will place in nominations four names for your consideration.  Nominations from the floor can also be made.

3.       An Inquirer’s Class will be held for the next three Sunday's during the Sunday School hour (9:45 – 10:45 a.m.) in the Fellowship Hall.  If you are receiving this email and haven’t officially joined the WCPC family, please know I would love to get to know you better through these classes.  If you have questions, please email me at djones@wcpc-tx.org or call me at 832-326-2554.

That’s all for now.  Keep warm and I will see you on Sunday.

Your pastor,

David Jones