Introduction from a quiet pastor and closing of a crazy year.

     When I created this page for the church two years ago, I wanted to start this process. As a whole, I tend to be very quiet; a man of few words. On top of that, I tend to write even less. However, I am reminded over and over again in the back of my mind of  the words of a wise father in the ministry: I was told a congregation will rarely, if ever, exceed the temperament of the pastor.  I want to, in the coming year,  begin writing on this page on a weekly basis. I want to share with you all some of my musings, thoughts, and comments on what I'm reading. I want you all to be comfortable commenting and joining in on these discussions. 

      This last year has been a lot of things. We have all experienced and, I trust, learned so much.  I am, however, amazed that looking back over the last year I can see God's hand in so much.  I am reminded of all the times in the days of Israel that, on a worldly view point, things were falling apart at the seams; yet, as we look at it today, we can see how God was truly in the matter. Possibly no greater example of this would be the 70 year captivity. The nation was in shambles and His people were dragged into foreign lands. Many at this time would easily say it has never been this bad. Possibly even thought this is the end and we may as well just give up. Thankfully though, for those of faith, they could remember the words sent by His prophet. For I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). The process and the time frame were painful, yet God promised a good end for His people. Those that continued to live and to seek Him came out on the other side better and came out of that darkness. Many times that God leads us through may be the valley of the shadow of death, yet He promises to never leave or forsake us. God is not finished with us, God is not finished with His church, and God is not finished with you. Things may look dark as we stand in the here and now, but God is still on His throne. This was a promise repeated over and over again in the book of Daniel, the prophet through the 70 years. We need to be those reminding everyone around us of the same truth. May God bless you all as we close out 2020 and as we boldly go into that which God already knows in 2021. 

Thank you for reading and I ask for your prayers in the year ahead.
Elder John Staten