What A Year! A Letter To West Franklin

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.

What a Year! A Letter to West Franklin