My brothers and sisters,

St. Luke’s Church, Cross Roads, is a remarkable congregation because of the faithful dedication of our people, and the utter goodness of God.

The various church, organizational, and other reports, presented at last Sunday’s Congregational Meeting proved that we have much to celebrate, both spiritually and financially. What you’ve done as a congregation in 2016 is indeed significant. Yes, challenges there were, but what was achieved is a testament to the power of God and the faith of our people.

The leadership and staff have been diligent in seeking creative ways to be good stewards of our resources. To bridge the gap as we continue to grow, the finance team and staff will continually review and reduce expenses where possible as well as gratefully accept your special gifts of stationery, toiletries, cleaning agents, and supplies for the feeding and outreach programmes.

Here’s what you can do in 2017 to partner with others in the church:

• Pray not for the financial well being of the church but for spiritual health and maturity of a congregation that seeks to do more than raise funds. We are about building the kingdom and changing lives. 
• Pray that we will be true to our mission and that we will honour our vows to uphold the church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. 
• Review, periodically, the 31 questions (distributed on Jan.1 and still available), ponder, and respond to each. 
• Make a commitment to yourself, and to the ministry of the church. If every member does this, we will truly be a healthy, vibrant body of Christ. 

These 31 questions give us a very real opportunity to re-examine our priorities and align them with our faith and values as individuals and as a church. With every challenge (posed) comes opportunity to learn the better lessons of who we are and what we are called to do. Use the list as a “guage” as you consider your ways and as we move forward in ministry.

Have a blessed week.
Yours in Christ, Elizabeth +