2026 is here and it’s a time for new beginnings. Generally, this is when most of us make New Year’s resolutions, in January of the new year. We promise ourselves and others to do better. We will eat better, exercise more or join a gym. We clean out the unused stuff or perhaps, take up a new hobby. Sometimes, our resolutions include being more involved in church or going on a vacation. But, by the end of January these resolutions are mostly forgotten, often buried by the effort of living our everyday lives. 

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Like all of you, I’ve been there and done that, not lived up to my past year's New Year's resolutions. As such, years ago, I have decided to not make resolutions but instead daily talk to God. To lean on Him for acceptance, help, and grace in all situations. God does help me daily make better choices- to eat better, exercise when I don’t feel like it, etc. Nightly, I thank God. I remind myself to praise God for His goodness and forgiveness. For I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that God walks with me through every effort, every challenge, and every success or failure. I can see His mercy and love in the friends and family who call and help me daily seeing His actions through their actions. I see God’s kindness in those who consistently are there with a helping hand and a listening ear.

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And. when I fail short of being the person God knows I am; I know that I will have another and yet another chance through God’s mercies, for I am never alone. God is with me and I am surrounded by a cloud of God’s witnesses here on earth. 

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Lamentations 3:22-24 teaches us that because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for God's compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.”

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Lord, we give thanks for this day and thanks for those who touch our lives with your love.  Be with those who face the challenges of illness, those who are grieving, those whose futures are uncertain, those who seek you and your forgiveness, those who struggle with addiction, those who are separated from loved ones, may they reach out and find forgiveness. 

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Be with our church that we may be a haven and a family to those who seek you and your love and forgiveness. Be with our Pastor, staff and fellow members as they lead us; we ask your blessings in our lives.  In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Yours in the journey, 

Diane

 

                                     

                                   Announcements: 

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The Women's Club has some events scheduled for 2026. Save these Dates: February 2, 8, 14 and the 15th. 

 

Save the Date: Sunday, February 8th, after church service for a spaghetti luncheon hosted by our Women's Club. More info to follow. 

 

On February 15th, the Women's Club is planning a luncheon at the Santa Fe Restaurant in Dyer, IN., at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. More info to follow. 

 

The next Women's Club meeting will be held on Monday, February 2nd, at 1:30p., in the narthex. All are welcome to attend. 

 

Save the Date: March 14th, Saturday. The Women's Club is planning to see a movie. The time and movie will be determined as it gets closer to the date, March 14th. More info to follow

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