Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah. He tells them the former things (their suffering and captivity in Babylon) is over. God is doing a new thing, that is making a way for them to return to Israel.

In similar ways God is doing new things here at Neal Avenue. As I write, the construction is progressing for our new elevator. This should be completed early in 2012.

This will be a wonderful new thing for our ministry. All levels of our church will become accessible. This will open the door for new ministries.

Also, 2012 will bring changes in pastoral and lay leadership. I hope by now that all of our church family is aware that I am planning to retire at our annual conference in June. All of our church should be praying for a pastor that will be accepted and supported as I have been. Then pray that your new pastor will bring new leadership and new growth to our church. Pray much for our bishop and district superintendent as they discern the right pastor for our church.

Then take time to pray for the lay persons who give so much leadership and service to our church. This year Randy Spiker will become our first certified lay minister. He will continue to lead and serve as in the past. Be in prayer that our church will work with him to enable new life and new growth through his leadership. Sue Spiker is a certified lay speaker and is equipped to lead worship. Pray that our church and others will be blessed through her leadership. Doug Stout, our lay leader is planning to take lay speaker training this year. Pray that this door will open for him. These persons are trained and provide faithful lay-leadership in our church. Many good ministries are available because of these and many others who give wonderful and faithful leadership.

Let us all pray that God is doing a new thing in our church, which will bring new life and new growth. Thank God for the opportunity to live and work in this new year, 2012.

Remember, we are all members of the priesthood of all believers.

God bless you wonderfully in 2012

Pastor John W. Harra