FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK    

CHURCH MERGER NEWS - WHAT'S NEXT?

Between our two congregations we have approximately 300 members with a combined average worship attendance of about 140 each week. After the recent vote to not unite our two Church families, what's Next? Grafting a sentence (to be shared with you) from an email to me from the Rev. Galen Wray, our Blue River District Superintendent, he writes: "we have eliminated one option for next year, and there are now other options to be considered. After the first of the year, I will need to meet with both churches separately to set direction for me to take to cabinet in late February, and the Cabinet will attempt to do what works best for each church."  Couples [even Churches] can still be partners even if they are not married.

Regarding the outcome of the vote to not unite [Warren: YES 20 NO 38 / Grace: YES 31 NO 13], and the immediate future of both Churches, several of our members from both congregations have asked me, "Pastor, what's next?"  For the answer to such questions, please refer to the top paragraph. Let us be patient and prayerful as the Cabinet of the Nebraska Annual Conference under the direction of the Bishop and the Holy Spirit work diligenty on our behalf.  I do want to thank everyone that voted for a combined 102 votes, including 51 yes, & 51 no. Let us be in prayer. 

We pray because we trust in God completey, and because we are confident without any doubt that God knows best and always answers our prayers. This is the unmovable resolve of the people of God. Once again, the power of your prayers is evidenced by the strength my family and I have received over the past 5 months in the loss of my Father and Mother. Prayer works. Keep praying.

Thank you for your prayers that have helped to usher your Pastor through the valley of the shadow of death twice in 2011. May God continue to bless each of you throughout 2012. Lastly, I invite everyone to ponder the message I delivered on Sunday December 18th: "Pregnant, With Divine Possibilities"  to nurture the gift that God has placed in your care (as Mary did with the Baby Jesus) - a gift that was Mary and Joseph's full responsibility not God's - to nurture, guide and develop to his full potential.  For us, this includes the Church of Jesus Christ and our responsibility not God's, to nurture, guide and develop to its full potential. It has been an honor, joy and privilege to serve the Lord with you and to be your Pastor in 2011. May your 2012 be a season of rejoicing and triumph as you continue in the faithful service of Christian Discipleship.

                                                                                                                               Best Wishes, Your Pregnant Pastor

                                                                                                                                               Dr. Wayne M. Reynolds