As the year comes to a close it is an opportune time to reflect on all that has taken place over the preceding 12 months.
For me, personally, this was a very full year. Besides the demanding nature of my work, our family was preoccupied with the illness and death of my father this summer. And, more recently my step-mother also died after a relatively short, and sudden, illness. Despite the emotional intensity of it all God's strength has been very real. The prayers and support of the church, including a number of you who follow ChoGBlog, is also very much appreciated.
2009 was a significant year for the Church of God. While the limits of my time and energy prevented me from blogging on many of the events, there are several things worth noting from this past year. In particular, the fallout from the financial challenges of 2008 really began to take hold this year. Church of God Ministries is in transition, with numerous personnel changes and adjustments, most notably the departure of Jeannette Flynn. A highlight for us was the North American Convention which saw a number of changes that stemmed the attendance decline, at least for this year.
Looking ahead to 2010, this remains a critical time for our movement. I am concerned that we are increasingly lacking a clear identity and vision that is owned across the very diverse North American church. Discussions in this direction need to continue, and I am committed to using this blog as one vehicle to encourage and stimulate dialogue that will strengthen our respective and cooperative ministries. I am praying that things will settle down in my life to allow this to happen, and as I continue work on my book project.
May God continue to lead and bless you during this coming year!
For me, personally, this was a very full year. Besides the demanding nature of my work, our family was preoccupied with the illness and death of my father this summer. And, more recently my step-mother also died after a relatively short, and sudden, illness. Despite the emotional intensity of it all God's strength has been very real. The prayers and support of the church, including a number of you who follow ChoGBlog, is also very much appreciated.
2009 was a significant year for the Church of God. While the limits of my time and energy prevented me from blogging on many of the events, there are several things worth noting from this past year. In particular, the fallout from the financial challenges of 2008 really began to take hold this year. Church of God Ministries is in transition, with numerous personnel changes and adjustments, most notably the departure of Jeannette Flynn. A highlight for us was the North American Convention which saw a number of changes that stemmed the attendance decline, at least for this year.
Looking ahead to 2010, this remains a critical time for our movement. I am concerned that we are increasingly lacking a clear identity and vision that is owned across the very diverse North American church. Discussions in this direction need to continue, and I am committed to using this blog as one vehicle to encourage and stimulate dialogue that will strengthen our respective and cooperative ministries. I am praying that things will settle down in my life to allow this to happen, and as I continue work on my book project.
May God continue to lead and bless you during this coming year!
