A New Year brings new beginnings – or at least the anticipation of something fresh and new. This could mean a ‘new year’s resolution’, which is one way to mark the occasion. Sadly, studies have shown that MOST resolutions made for the New Year are generally abandoned somewhere in February or March. I guess we need to be realistic when making those plans!
One thing I know: the Bishop has declared 2020 as the Year of Mission. Last year (the Year of Scripture) involved committing to reading the Bible in one year. Did you make it? I know several of you who did! (Including me!) Thank you for your witness and determination! You have already told me that your hard work has paid off, in a greater appreciation and understanding of our Biblical story. Others joined in to read the entire New Testament, too. It’s never too late to sit down with the Good Book! If you want to try again, go for it! There are lots of Bible reading plans out there.
Bishop Daniel, in anticipation of the Year of Mission, has written a new Bible Study on the Book of Acts. I am very excited to share this with our Bible Discussion group in the near future.
Each year our Bishop picks a Bible verse to highlight the theme of the year. For 2020, the verse is from John 20:21 – Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Peace and sending – themes that Jesus brings to our attention again and again in his ministry. He reminds us that we are not a static people; we are a sent people! Sent to bring good news to the poor, the suffering, and all who need to hear Good News. What a privilege, to share the Good News with all people!
May 2020 bring you peace, and a renewed desire to share Jesus in both words and actions!
Pr. Rita