A New Creation

Approximately two years ago, our church building was sold to a funeral company. Due to declining membership, the few members who were left found it difficult to keep up with the bills. We had no other option but to sell, and it felt like we were wandering through a desert. God, it seemed, closed the door to our worship space.

It was during this desert time that God opened a window of hope.

A few months ago, conversations began between our congregation and a congregation in another denomination about amalgamating into one. A steering committee was made up from both congregations, and meetings began. A worship sub-committee was also formed, and we began to look at the different worship styles that each congregation had. We began by creating a new style of worship, sharing the best from each other's liturgies. The vision of coming together and worshiping as one in Christ became a reality.

John 17:20-21 – I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us; so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (NASB)

Romans 12:4-5 – For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (NASB)

There is hope again as we share the individual gifts from each congregation with each other and serve our community through Christ. With God leading us, we will continue this new journey and create a brand new ministry that is alive, accessible, and gospel-centered.

If you are going through a time of frustration right now or it seems that you are walking in a desert with no hope in sight, remember that God is with you in all your trials. He will give you the strength to endure and open up a new window of hope.

Prayer: Almighty God, sometimes You allow doors to close in our lives. When that happens, grant us Your peace and the strength to endure. There will be challenges ahead, but help us to trust that, with You leading us, everything will work out for the best. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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