Thank you, once again, to the Handbell Choir for performing so beautifully at our Christmas Eve Service! We had a great turnout, and sensed such a sweet Spirit as we observed the Lord’s Supper. We were joined by many who worshipped with us via livestream, and many of those participated in the Lord’s Supper service. COVID concerns hinder us in many ways, but I am thankful that the Lord makes a way for us to continue to worship as a church and to stay connected with one another.

Prior to yesterday we were still about $2700 shy of our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal of $10,000. I hope you will prayerfully consider how much you should give so we can top our goal!

This Sunday I will begin a series of messages based upon the January Bible Study from John’s Epistles entitled, “Living with Assurance.” From the author: “The focus of this study is on how a person’s understanding of Jesus impacts their daily lives in practical ways…Believers will come to understand that they can live with assurance of their eternal life by living in light of their relationship with Jesus.”

Between COVID, politics, and hurricanes, 2020 has caused unimaginable stress on individuals and families. In times of extreme stress, we can develop a sense of having been made a victim. As a result, we can tend to become inwardly focused and begin to concentrate on our own needs, comfort, and wants. Although this has been a very harsh and hard year, let me encourage you to not yield to the temptation of self-pity. Rather, cast all of your worries and anxieties upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), and turn to His word as a daily reminder of how we should conduct ourselves: “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4); “Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2); “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10); “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10). We are all journeying down the same road. I am confident that God will see us through!

Janice and I want to thank you, our precious church family, for loving on us in the special way Roseland Park Baptist Church does. Thank you for all of the Christmas goodies, cards, and gifts. Most of all, thank you for all of the kind words that encourage us and provide a constant reminder of God’s blessings in bringing us back home. Our prayer is that we will be able to return even a portion of the love to you that you have shown to us. May 2021 be a gift of God’s grace on your lives.