I pray this note finds you well. Today I want to share an experience that is a first for me in serving God as a pastor.

In January a person or persons joined Good News United Methodist (and therefore part of God's work in South Walton County) every Sunday. That is an amazing blessing and challenge to each of us. It is a blessing because these people are saying that they chose to support and serve God through Good News. That means more hands and feet to do the work of being the Church. It is a challenge because each of these wonderful people must be connected to some ministry or group to fully use their gifts in the work of Christ. They are now in our care.

So, greet them, love them, involve them and fellowship with them. They are our brothers and sisters, committed to this work of God's Spirit called Good News.

We have one final responsibility. We must all encourage our new brothers and sisters and one another. I am aware economic times are tough. I am aware that the political situation is uncertain. And I hear the words of doubt and feel the winds of fear. But take heart! God has called you to be His people and speak His message to all who enter our doors. It is a great honor to be called to this task but Paul reminds the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 5, "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ." This is an honor and a responsibility. So speak well! Be positive! Our hope is great and our Savior is alive!

During the Lenten season (February 5th thru March 23rd) I will be preaching on the 23rd Psalm. I'll be reminding us that God has the antidote to the fears we face everyday. The 23rd Psalm is a calm, honest and true message of God's faithfulness in our weaknesses. I hope you'll be part of every Sunday's worship and I pray you'll seek God through His word every week!

And now, I'll echo Paul's closing address to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 13), "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with Christian love. All of God's people here send you their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." AMEN!

In Christ, Randy

NOTE: I have attached a copy of the Leadership Team for 2008 in case you want to know who is leading each ministry area!