GRATITUDE TO GOD

As we come to the close of 2011, we need to stop and give thanks to God for a wonderful year. Although it was filled with some difficulties, the move to continue the building of the Kingdom of God has made Etowah UMC stronger and ready for the future. We have seen major miracles take place during this past year. One miracle was the unexpected estate gifts that enabled us to renovate the education wing. We even considered Barbara Lyons finding her wedding ring after it being lost for over a month, in the creamer bowl, a miracle. We have seen God at work in our midst.

THANKS TO OUR ETOWAH FAMILY

Each Saturday we watched as our volunteers worked feverishly to feed those in our community that may otherwise go hungry. This has been a labor of love. Thanks to those who interview, who drive the truck, those who pack the food, and give out the food with a smile and hope. This is Kingdom work. Thanks to the men that work hard for the flea market, make a substantial profit, and then give it all always to mis-sions. Thanks to the ladies for sharing their talent in the art and crafts that grace homes near and far and their gifts to the ministry. Thanks to the young people for sharing their smiles and talents with us. We see their commitment in worship, serving food, and serving the meek and lonely on their mission trip. A special thanks to those who gave to the vision. We will finish this year with all the bills paid, all the district and conference apportionments paid, a new (to us) grand piano in the sanc-tuary, a large pay down on the principle loan for the past church renovation, and more than $100,000 in direct mission giving. If sacrifice is part of the definition of Love, we have seen love in our midst. We expect this love to grow in the coming year.

LOOKING FORWARD

It is good to look back, but not to look back for
too long. It is time to look forward. What will
2012 hold? I am not buying into the end of the
world thing in December of next year. All this
stuff about the calendar of a group of people in
Mexico, Central and South America, who couldn't
see their end coming with the Spanish Explorers,
makes me doubtful of their real ability to predict
the future. But we do have a promise from Christ
that He will return. We do not know the day nor
the hour, but we need to be ready. We will not sit
and wait. We want Him to find us working for the
Kingdom.

Thus here are a few things to look for in 2012:

Medical and Building Mission Team to
Honduras in late May or June. With Dr.
Don in Honduras now, we are making plans
to work in a small village in the southern
part of Honduras.

Mission Teams to Eastern NC to help with
the flood and tornado relief.

Fishes and Loaves will continue to fulfill the
command to feed the hungry.

Wonderful Wednesdays Challenges and
short term studies.

Inspired Worship Services with a renewed
emphasis on great music.

Our goal is for every member of Etowah UMC
to be in mission in some way. It may be going
on a mission team, helping in Fishes and
Loaves, or maybe mailing a card to give someone
hope and love. We are a gifted people and
we want to use our gifts for the building of the
Kingdom Of God in our midst. Make sure your
seat belts are fastened and tightened, because
we are moving ahead as Christ leads us. It is
good to look back, but not for long. It is the future
that holds the promise.

Dr. Rick