So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthia

​So, it is a few days into the new year and I’m wondering how those New Year’s resolutions are coming? The end of one year and the start of a new one always brings the urge to reflect on the past 12 months, assess the situation at the present, and make plans for the future. The new year holds the promise of a fresh start and opportunities to create something new. So, we resolve to eat healthier, be more organized, spend less time on our devices.  
 
God is also in the business of new creation starting with each one of us. One of my favorite songs in the hymnal is ELW 801. It goes: “Change my heart, O God; make it ever true. Change my heart of God; may I be like you.” God works year-round to break the stone away from our hard hearts, warm our cold hearts and lead us in his way to use the imagery found in another favorite of mind, ELW 512, “Lord Let My Heart Be Good Soil.”
 
God is also at work making the church new. Here at CLC, we spent this last several years discerning God’s call for our faith community and at the end of last year, the Pathfinders released their findings at our annual budget meeting. Now as we move into 2023, we are poised to recreate our church so that we can fulfill the ministry that we have been given. We begin the year with a new music director, John Lehrack, who comes to us with a wealth of talent and experience. We also begin the year with energy building as ministries like the Community Breakfast are springing back to life after COVID.
 
I’m excited to be part of the new things that God is doing. Going into the New Year, I have on my list to listen harder to the voice of the Spirit when she speaks to my heart, and to be fully engaged in what God is doing here at CLC and in the world. I hope you will add these resolutions to your list as well.     
 
 
Happy New Year!
Pastor Sue