Newsletter 27 December
Front and Centre
As we look back 2020 has been a long and challenging year. As a result of COVID nothing has been the same. It has been a fairly unique kind of year. Though we can not be certain what 2021 will look like it will at least initially contain more of the same. As much as it has been challenging I am grateful for what we have achieved in the past year. Several weeks ago we reflected on 1 Thessalonians which said ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.’ 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19.
As much as it has been a challenging year we also have much to be thankful for. As I look back to 2020 I am thankful to be here at Emmanuel with such an amazing group of people. I am excited about being a part of a church that wants to continue to focus on its mission and purpose, and as we head into 2021 that we will be re-emphasising what it means to be a church that focusses on growing disciples. I am excited that we have had new families join us in the past few months. We have made the transition to online services and hybrid services. People have collaborated and worked well together to deal with the various government and church requirements to keep everyone safe. At times it feels as though 2020 has been a year we have had to survive. But as we turn to 2021 it is time to turn from survive to thrive. We really want people to thrive in this coming year. To encourage people to continue to grow and deepen their faith. There will be an emphasis upon small groups as one of the most effective means to grow people as well as being more COVID safe. January will be re-visiting our purpose focussing on our four e’s of exalt, embody, engage and explore and unpacking what that means for us now.
2021 will continue to be challenging but we look forward with hope and promise to what God has in store.
Brian
To read the rest of the newsletter click [here](https://mailchi.mp/7dcb70d3658e/newsletter-1920735)