When I think about the patterns of ministry I have observed and experienced in the churches I have served, I can reflect on having had both the best and the worst of times. There have been times of growth, vitality, and encouragement, and there have also been times of decline, divisiveness, and discouragement. As always, “every day’s a school day,” and there have been lessons to learn in the good times and the bad.
Right now, Memorial is in a healthy, vital, growing season. God is at work within and through our grace-filled family. I see this in our amazing children’s and youth ministries. I see it in the many ways we are reaching out to make sure #loveshowsup in our community and world. And I see it in the growth we are experiencing growth.
This growth was evident last Sunday as we welcomed 18 new members into the church family. All 18 had been part of a group of 21 people that came through our New Member’s Class in January and February (the other three will come into membership in the coming weeks.) This growth will also be evident on March 16th when we gather at Main Beach to baptize four people who have experienced God’s grace anew in their lives. Isn’t that such exciting news? I hope that you will plan to join with others from our church family on that day as we celebrate Christ’s new life and welcome these four into the family of God through baptism.
It really is a great time to be a part of what God is doing in and through the grace-filled family at Memorial!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Charlie
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