Happy New Year! As we step into this fresh beginning, I want to extend my warmest greetings to each of you. May this year be filled with God’s abundant blessings, peace, and joy.
As we embark on this new journey in 2025, I am reminded of the tremendous opportunities before us—a divine call to be more missional and gospel-focused than ever. In every moment of our lives this year, we have the chance to reach out and share the love of Christ with those around us. The world is in desperate need of hope, and we have been commissioned to carry that hope into our communities and beyond. Our calling is not just to live our faith but to actively share it, to be the light in a world that can often feel dark and lost.
This year, let us commit ourselves to seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in all that we do. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our Guide, and our Empowerment. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, we open ourselves up to divine direction, wisdom, and strength. It is through the Spirit that we find the courage to step out in faith and take bold actions that lead others to the good news of Jesus Christ. Remember the words of Acts 1:8, where Jesus promised, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...to the end of the earth.” This year, let us embody that promise and be witnesses to His love and grace.
I encourage each of you to take time in prayer and reflection as we begin this new year together. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your hearts and minds, to lead you in your daily decisions, and to equip you for the mission ahead. Spend quiet moments in His presence, allowing the Spirit to reveal new passions and directions in your life. Our church desperately needs more of the Spirit—more of His presence, more of His guidance, and more of His power working through us. Imagine the possibilities when we surrender ourselves to His leading and allow Him to work through us!
This year, we will have numerous opportunities to engage in missional activities, outreach programs, and community service. I encourage each of you to participate actively—whether through volunteering your time, sharing your talents, or simply inviting a friend to join us in worship. Every small effort counts and can lead to significant change, both in our lives and in the lives of those we reach.
Moreover, let’s foster an environment where we encourage one another to seek the Spirit's leading. As we grow in unity and purpose, we will strengthen our communal bonds and deepen our impact on the world around us.
Thank you for being an integral part of our church family. I genuinely believe that 2025 holds extraordinary potential for us as we actively seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives and ministry. I am excited to witness all that God has in store for us this year! Let us rise to the occasion and be faithful stewards of the Gospel, actively participating in the great mission He has entrusted to us.
Wishing you and your families a year full of God’s grace and transformative experiences.
Blessings, David Peñate
