THE NEW YEAR

WHOA, wait a minute! This year is not over with yet!  But it nearly is! It is time for all of us to assess the progress that has been made in our spiritual lives.

The Elders have been as busy as Santa's elves [just a little holiday humor] lately talking and planning and assessing and preparing to lead and direct the work here at Warners Chapel for the year 2005.

As I live across the street, I have noticed that the elders keep long hours into the night making decisions that will affect each one of us.  As a preacher, I see the need for qualified Elders that are also willing to make time for the church.  It is also especially hard for the man who is an Elder and also works 40-50 hours per week in a secular job.  We need to let our elders know that we appreciate them for all the work that they do and for all the burdens that they carry.

I am also thankful for all those who are willing to teach our Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday.  Many hours must go into the study of one lesson to be presented in thirty to forty minutes.  I know that sometimes it seems like a thankless job, but I am indebted to class teachers who have taught our children faithfully for many years.

What ever your role has been in the past, why not make a special effort in 2005 [an early resolution?] to add something else to your wagon.  You know what they say about the preacher: "Don't worry about the mule, just keep loadin' the wagon."

—Paul