Is there life after Christmas?
I know it’s just three days till Christmas. And I’m looking forward to it as much as anyone. But I’m also looking beyond it…and I hope you will, too, because I’m gonna need your help.
Yes, Virginia, there is life after Christmas. And it’s not all dying pine trees, discarded toys, and depressing credit card bills. It’s actually a new year! Full of new opportunities. Typically we launch the New Year by talking about starting out strong, making resolutions, changing things you’ve been meaning to change, etc. But maybe you’re slightly cynical. Maybe you’re saying something like, “Been there, heard that, got the T-shirt.” That’s understandable.
But when we’re honest, we KNOW that there are areas we would LIKE to change. Resolutions we would LIKE to keep. Even if we’ve failed miserably for the last five or fifty years. So what can we do? Well consider this. Starting January 8th we’ll be launching a series called, “Healthy U.” And this year, before I stand up and teach on topics like finances, caring for our bodies, spiritual development, relationships, etc., I’d like to hear from you. In fact, I’d like to listen to your concerns, your successes, and your frustrations in dealing with the areas that seem to trip us up year after year. So here’s what we’re going to do.
Each week during this series I’ll have an open discussion on Wednesday nights at a local Starbucks. We’ll provide some questions for you to think through before Wednesday. Then we’ll grab a hot beverage, and learn together. Those Wednesday conversations will help shape the Sunday morning conversations, and hopefully shape the rest of our lives. I’ll do my best to present clear teaching from God’s Word that helps with the real concerns in our lives.
So if you’re interested in being part of this new way of addressing some very familiar topics, mark your calendar for Wednesdays and watch for more details. It’s something to look forward to beyond Christmas.
And speaking of Christmas, on behalf of the entire staff of Seneca Creek, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I pray that God is with you in a very powerful way this time of year.
-Pastor Mark
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Posted on December 22, 2011, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Living in faith, hope and Love 
Mark, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do for Seneca Creek, for all the powerful and moving sermons, for all the early morning prayer we’ve shared, but most of all for all the ways Seneca Creek has touched my life. I came to this church so lost, so alone, and so broken. I was overwhelmed with grief and from the moment I walked into this church, the power of the Holy Spirit was so evident and awesome. Our church is filled with loving, giving and amazing people and I am so proud to call Seneca Creek my home! Not only have I strengthened my relationship with Christ, but have made friendships I will treasure always. It was not my intention to stay in Maryland after mom died (January 3rd, 2010). Now I find myself rethinking that mainly because of the fellowship I have found at Seneca Creek. How could I leave? I feel so called to remain a part of this church and am praying for God to reveal how I will serve in 2011 in a bigger way. I am ready!
So again, thank you Mark. Know that you are changing lives, and touching hearts. Maybe you already do, but it’s nice to hear it from time to time.
In His Love,
Camille
Camille, Thanks for your comments. I have been a follower of Jesus for 61 years now. I still find it exciting how much I continue to learn – both from God’s Word, and from his people. It just doesn’t stop, for which i am grateful. When I saw the Christmas card of the SCCC Staff, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the ways each of them have impacted my life, both directly and indirectly. You go, Seneca Creek!
Mae