It's a New Year

Well, its 2007, which, in and of itself is not remarkable. But, it will be a year in which their are great opportunities abounding. I am sure that in some cases we will take advantage of them, and in others, we will either ignore them, or do them wrong. That is just the way things seem to work out.

Many of those things will have to do with the way the United States governs itself. A change in the legislative leadership in Washington can either bring good or bad or same ol', same ol' depending on the will and virtue of those who will lead. They all seem to be talking a good game, but I will wait and see if it really pans out. And on the heals of that, men (and women) are stepping forward offering to lead the country as President. I hope that we can see our way clear to select someone who has high personal morals as well as seeing the necessity of high cultural morals as well. We certainly need it.

On a more personal level, here at COJ, change has been happening slowly, but it is happening. Our outreach to feed the hungry (the COJ Food Pantry) is thriving and getting stronger each month and severed more than 5000 folks in 2006. Our effort to clothe the naked (otherwise known as the clothes closet) is also thriving and growing. With partnerships with sources for good infant's and children's clothing, it is emptying its shelf each month. Our effort to care for the sick brought us our first nutrition and health fair, an event that grew from a concept to a succesful offering in the fall--so much so that we will do it again.

But we still have a long way to journey, and I hope that we always will. Jesus has called us to be his brothers and sisters, adopted by God and saved by grace. I don't know about you, but I know I still have to keep walking just to keep up. I know that there is no time to just rest.

May 2007 be for you a year of reflection, of moving forward, and a year to claim Jesus Christ as Lord of all that is in your life.

Pastor Realff