“Are we there yet?” . Every parent hates to hear those words that

often come from the back seats of the car. They are the words

that are an indication that a journey is taking place, but that the

destination has not yet been reached.

    Equally as devastating is the common reply, “Almost.”  Oh,

how I hated that.  I didn’t want it to be “almost.”  I really wanted

it to be done. I wanted the ride to be over. I wanted to get busy

with whatever we were going to—a family gathering, a baseball game, a fishing trip and more.

“Almost” isn’t always a comfortable place to be, but I’ve come to realize that this is often where

we find ourselves.   

    Right now, people are asking more often how the building project is coming along.  I find myself saying,

“We’re almost there.” And we are. The painters are moving along quite rapidly. The projector and screen

are in place. The carpenters are making quick progress on the new chancel and the screening panels for

the organ. I now expect the sanctuary to be able to host the wedding that is scheduled for January 30, with

us being able to worship back in the sanctuary in early February. That makes us about 4-5 weeks away.

So really, we are “almost” there.

     As I type this, we are also “almost” at the beginning of a new year.  2008 was quite unique. We have seen some

incredible things happening. Long awaited dreams of a lift for the Parish House and a new organ are becoming reality.

So now, as we reach that point where our sanctuary and organ projects are “almost” done,  and our facilities are

“almost” ready, and we will soon have some extra energy, it means that now is the time to really focus on what happens next.

    What happens next will be a mixture of words and action that involve elements of Outreach, Evangelism and Growth.

Our Boards and Committees are already discussing possible events and activities that can help us re-introduce ourselves

to our community, but we will need your help.  We will not grow if all of our events and activities must be planned and

carried out by the 18 that we elect as officers. We will not grow if “church” is the place where we only come to watch.

We will only grow if everyone participates and if everyone contributes. So this year, plan on being involved. Plan on doing

something. Whether it is being an usher; being a lector; teaching or assisting with Sunday School or Bible School, serving

on a Board, working with a committee, being part of the choir, volunteering in the office, planning, coordinating or

attending a special event, being an offering counter, attending Bible Study, or something else … get involved. First of all,

because it is part of your obligation as a member. Second, because we need you.

      One of my favorite quotes, says:  “Sometimes its not enough to see the Light. Sometimes you have to be the Light.”

So let us be resolved to make a difference. Let us not just “talk” but also “do.” Let us not only “see” but also “be.” 

After all, an effective light is one that isn’t “almost” on. I am excited about this coming year, with all of the opportunities

it will present. So, let us be resolved to be involved - to act, to do, and to be, or else we may reach this time next year,

and hear ourselves lament, “We ‘almost’ made a difference for Christ and His Kingdom.”

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