PRAYER
Most Holy God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
We celebrate Your presence
and rejoice in Your light that shines
in our lives and our world.
Thank You for Your sustaining presence in the past year;
… that we’re even here is a work of Your grace.
Thank You for strength when we were weak.
Thank You for peace amidst our turmoil.
Thank You for comfort in our anxious moments.
Thank You for wisdom when we’ve been confused,
And for guidance when we were lost.
As an old year passes and a new one comes,
full of promise, hope, and potential,
we pray that your Holy Light will shine on all nations,
all people and all of creation
leading us in love, peace, and joy.
Amen.
SERMON
A NOTE OF GRATITUDE
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has.” —Epictetus, Stoic Philosopher
Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV
Do not remember the former things
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
POINT: The goal of creating the State Street Community Church was to foster transparent and redemptive connections with Christ and His community.
The Mission
State Street Community Church is a just and generous expression of the Christian faith in downtown LaPorte, Indiana.
The Vision
The vision of State Street Community Church is to create a community of Christ followers that values a purposeful location, justice, generosity, humility, and meaningful relationships.
STAT: This past year, we experienced a 16% growth in attendance.
The Bad News: Some estimates say that 4 out of 5 church plants will fail and only 1 in 10 will sustain more than 100 people in worship.
“We’re tourist Christians. We remain as long as we’re entertained.” —A.J. Swoboda from A Glorious Dark
POINT: Everyone is a consumer in a church at some point. But, if the church consists only of consumers, then we will ultimately fail.
THIS YEAR, WE AS A CHURCH ARE BECOMING:
1. Partners. Not “yours” but “ours.”
2. Collaborators. Creating and building together.
3. Dreamers. Asking, “What if…” and “Let’s try…”
THIS YEAR, OUR STAFF WILL FOCUS ON:
1. Growing in faith and impact and seeking to be healthy (spiritually, mentally, and emotionally) followers of Jesus.
2. Developing more efficient systems and processes.
3. Identify and develop leaders who help create and cultivate our mission of love and justice.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV
Do not remember the former things
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.