Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Churched

Home
Evangelical
What a Year! A Letter to West Franklin

What a Year! A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 1, 2022 at 8:37 am by Matt Pearson

What a Year! A Letter to West Franklin 2022-01-01T08:37:32-05:00 Matt Pearson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

West Franklin Family,

2021 began with a horrific insurrection on our nation’s capital. It ends with COVID-19 numbers skyrocketing once again. Sigh. If we keep our noses in the news, there will always be reason for panic and fear. We know, however, that our God does not give us a spirit of fear. We also know that, regardless of circumstances, Jesus promised to build His church. The gates of hell, or a pandemic, or insurrectionists will not overcome it. Despite the chaos in our country, consider some highlights West Franklin experienced this year:

Mobile Medical Dental Unit (MDU) Ministry to Oak Cottage for Women Seeing Several Trust Christ (April)

Drive-Thru Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday (April)

West Franklin Talks Podcast Surpassed 100 Episodes (Late Spring)

Our First Ever “New Here” Luncheon saw nearly 50 New Faces in Attendance (August)

Our GriefShare Ministry Nearly Doubled in Helping People Deal with Loss (Fall)

Ministry To and With the Oak Cottage for Women Continued with a Highlight Baptism of Stephanie Spencer (June)

We Attempted Vacation Bible School at Night (June)

I Got To Baptize My Daughter, Birti (July)

Kiersten Wolff Hired as our New Administrative Assistant (Late Summer)

Search for a FULL-TIME NextGen Minister Began (Late Summer)

Renovations on Worship Center, Fellowship Hall, and Outside of Building Began (December)

Pews from Worship Center Given to Waverly Church (December)

8 AM Service Introduced Due to Limited Space in Fellowship Hall (December)

Dickens of a Christmas Gave Us City-wide Exposure (December)

FOUR Christmas Eve Services (December)

Students to Sounds Game, Top Golf, Pumpkin Painting, Bon Fire, etc. (All Year)

Police Officers, Road Construction Workers, and Renovation Workers Fed by West Franklin Groups (All Year)

Stories of Grace and God’s Power in your Lives: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Just to name a few.

What have I left out? What are some of your favorite 2021 West Franklin highlights?

Two observations: (1) Regardless of what transpires around us in the world, Christ’s church will always be present and active. In fact, through the church, the world who needs Jesus will hear about Jesus. (2) West Franklin is poised for a truly exciting year. Tons of new people. Full-Time staff positions being filled. Building renovations completed. A congregation eager to heed the Spirit’s lead. Feels like a powder keg ready for exciting explosions to me. What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

West Franklin, being a part of Christ’s church with you is one of the greatest joys of my life. Let’s agree now – together – to seek the leading of the Spirit and zealously join Him in what He is doing throughout the upcoming year.

Because Jesus is Already Working,

Pastor Matt

Reminders:

No 8 AM service tomorrow, January 2nd. 9 and 10:30 AM only.
No NextGen ministries tomorrow, January 2nd. All groups will resume January 9th.
Worship care will NOT be provided tomorrow, January 2nd.
Dave Kruse will be preaching in both services tomorrow. I will see you there with my Bible open to 1 Kings 19:4-5.

Letters to West Franklin

Previous Post

December 25, 2021

I Love Long Lines: A Christmas Letter to West Franklin

Next Post

January 5, 2022 That Time Tom Brady Took Me to Church

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Biblical Reflections Devotions Fridays are For Illustrations General Challenge General Preaching Resources Letters to West Franklin Preparing to Preach Table Talk Questions The Preaching Event Top Ten Quotes Uncategorized West Franklin West Franklin Talks

Select a Month March 2023 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What New Testament letter includes the "fruit of the Spirit"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Galatians Hebrews Ephesians James