I recently read a book called “The Happiness Project.” Author Gretchen Rubin realizes that by making small changes in her everyday life, she can transform herself into a happier person. This book follows a year in her life as she makes changes in her outlook on her work, marriage, children, and hobbies.

​Overall she makes the conscious decision that in everything she does, she is going to be herself, instead of an idealized version of who she thinks she should be. Her theory is that by being herself she will be truly happy.

As the New Year gets into full swing, I cannot help but ponder this theory. Will being truly myself make me truly happy? Maybe. It might be worth the effort to try it out. But that begs the question: who am I, truly? In order to answer that question, I need to start with another question: Whose am I, truly? I want to be able to answer those questions for myself as a person and as a pastor. That is why, this year, my resolution is to spend more time in prayer.

​Prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer is how we commune with God. Prayer starts with God. Through prayer we understand better who God is and who we are. Prayer comes in many different shapes and sizes that I want to explore. Therefore, I will be dedicating an hour each week to prayer. On Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am, I will be in the sanctuary, praying.

I encourage you, in this New Year, to answer for yourself some of these same questions: Who are you, truly? Whose are you, truly? And if you would like, please join me in prayer.

Blessings, Pastor Rebekah

Thanks to all who supported the Bazaar this year! We raised $4,989.70 to give to our selected organizations!

Many thanks for all of your support of Alternative Gifts at the Holiday Bazaar. We collected a total of $1,540; $470 for Christian Emergency Council, $770 for Habitat for Humanity, and $300 for the Medical Benevolence Foundation.

Your support goes a long way in making our communities, near and far, better places! The members of the Mission and Outreach Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all who participated in this year’s Bazaar. It wouldn’t have been a success without you. Thank you to all the crafters who met all year long developing items for sale.

Our thanks to those who baked goods and soups for sale, and to those who made beautiful fresh arrangements, and the alternative gifts opportunities. Our thanks to those who helped throughout the setup, the sale days, and the take-down of the event.

Lastly, thanks to all the shoppers and those who helped promote this year’s event. The success of this yearly event is based on the love we all share for this church, and the support we give each other makes the event a success.