There’s something hopeful about a new year and a new start, isn’t there?

Dear Congregation,

New Year’s greetings to you all and much joy and happiness in 2019! There’s something hopeful about a new year and a new start, isn’t there?  Even though we may have found it difficult in the past to keep our New Year’s resolutions, we always have another chance.

 One of my favorite books is titled “Saint Maybe” by Anne Tyler in which there is a church called “The Church of the Second Chance.” What a great name for a church! It recognizes that, although we all fall short of the glory of God and in our discipleship, God forgives us and always gives us chance after chance after chance to do better. We don’t have to settle for the way things are, but are to believe that we can change, can live more faithfully, can love and serve God in practical ways, can make a difference in our community and our world.

And so I challenge you to join me in looking for opportunities to step out in faith this year as individuals, and as a church, to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed with others who are in need of second, third, and even more chances.

God bless you!

Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ