January 2010
Looking Back - Looking Ahead

As I look back on 2009 there are many things that I reflect upon. I began this year by taking a sabbatical for a month. I spent my time in Maine and it was very renewing and refreshing to my spirit. I thank the church for allowing me this time and for Rev. Jim Davis serving here while I was away.

When I returned, I shared a four week series on loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Lent began with our joint Ash Wednesday service with our brothers and sister at Epiphany.  Also in March we had a time during worship to reaffirm and remember our baptism. This year we again reenacted the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. Easter Sunday we moved our Sunrise Service to Brick Reservoir and enjoyed a brisk time of worship by the water.  In May I began a series on relationships called "Building Bridges." Those messages were concluded on Father's Day as we heard from Jim Kroeze, Brian Collis, Stan Kozlowski, Tom O'Hearn, and Michael Cozzini about what they have learned about being a father.

Through the summer we looked at the leadership principles of Nehemiah. In the fall we did a church wide study on Faith. We have included elements through morning messages, memorizing scripture, small groups, a daily devotional booklet and "The Step of Faith" challenge. I was blessed as so many participated in this study and shared how much they enjoyed the study.

I thank God for the wonderful staff we have here at St. Paul's. We have been meeting weekly for a staff meetinc, to plan meeting services and discuss concerns around the areas of ministry.

It has been my joy to be part of St. Paul's Christian School the last six years. Last year marked 30 years that our school has existed. We are blessed with wonderful teachers, staff and students. This past October I was asked to lead the teacher's spiritual retreat at Ocean Grove. We spent time thinking about lessons we can learn from the Toy Box.

This past year I was a dean for Teen Camp at Delanco Camp. I also increased my involvement at Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. The Brick Ministerium (InterFaith Council) is also back in full swing and we coordinated the 911 Service and the Community Thanksgiving Service.

God continues to bless our church with many new members in this past year and many new faces each week on Sunday Morning.

As we look toward next year, I believe God still has great things for us to do in these days as we live out our faithfulness to Him. As long as there are people who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we have the command, commission and responsibility to reach out to them with the message of salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Will you continue to join me as we work together to listen and obey God's voice? Will you join me as we continue to put our faith and trust in God to provide? Will you join me as we commit ourselves to worship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism and fellowship? Will you join me as we help the invisible kingdom of God become visible?

Pastor John