Grow and Thrive
A new year has dawned. May God richly bless you and your family throughout the year. May God keep you all safe and well from COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic restricts our lives in many different ways as we fol-low the guidelines. We must do our best to protect us from COVID-19. But we must not forget that God always wants to bless us in all circumstances. Apostle Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Why would he say so if God doesn’t hear our prayers? God loves us always and blesses us in all circumstances. God wants us to grow and thrive in this challenging time.
Grow and Thrive! It is Aldersgate Church’s slogan for 2021. Let us grow and thrive, not ignoring risks from coronavirus or sacrificing our lives. I believe that is God’s will for us. I believe that is what the people of faith should do even in difficult and challenging times. I believe we can do that with our faith. But we have work to do. We must find new ways that will work in the new normal.
It is not easy. It is very challenging. Many activities are not allowed under the COVID-19 guidelines. Many other activities may not be effective in the new normal even though they are not restricted. Therefore, we must be creative and innovative to modify the existing ministries or develop new ways of doing ministry so that our church can grow and thrive, keeping our church safe from COVID-19.
Aldersgate Council and ministry teams will work to find and develop ministries that are effective and safe for all in the new normal.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18) wrote the author of Proverbs.
So, can I say, “Where there is vision, the people grow and thrive”?
No matter what circumstances we are in, God wants us to grow and thrive. That is God’s plan.
Psalm 1:1-3 (New Revised Standard Version)
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
We are trees planted by the stream of Aldersgate, which grow, thrive and yield their fruit in its season.