From the Pastor

Renewing Light

“Behold, I am making all things new!” (Revelation 21:5)

Thus, speaks the One who is seated on His throne in heaven. The words are spoken at the End Time Final Judgement…as the new heaven and new earth is presented in answer to the old heaven and earth that has just passed away. But these words could just as easily have been pronounced over a house in Bethlehem one day visited by Magi “from the East”…“outsiders” to God’s mercy who celebrated the coming of One they received as their own King. They could just as easily have been spoken over the water of the Jordan River where Jesus would be revealed as the promised Savior and chosen One of God. They might just as easily have been spoken over those first called by Jesus as His disciples or the people Jesus rescued from demonic possession and various diseases. “Behold, I am making all things new!” It is what the crucified and resurrected Christ speaks over you and me and all the world again in 2021 as we see with new eyes what Jesus has done to bring about joy and hope for us and all mankind in this New Year.

But here is just a bit of what will be new or different this month:

• The call process for RLC’s new Associate Pastor is fully underway! Be on the lookout for updates from Call Committee Chairman Dan Shaltanis as events unfold in the months ahead;
• A new start up time for the Sunday morning “late” service, beginning January 10th: 11 AM (this reflects one half of the worship schedule change approved last month and allows us a more leisurely time for virtual Sunday School);
• A Sunday Bible study entitled A Man Named Martin, starting January 10 (please note your intention to register by sending notification to the church office at );
• A new weekly sermon series on 1 Corinthians, starting January 17;
• A new 1^st Communion class led by Infant and Family Ministry Director MaryAnn Unger and Pastor Jonathan (5^th Grade youth may still register
  at ) beginning January 24.

You may have heard people celebrating the timely production of COVID vaccines as “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Certainly, the quick development and rapid distribution of the vaccine is noteworthy and deserves our gratitude. We especially give thanks in 2021, however, that not only is there a light at the end of the tunnel for us. In Christ Jesus, we have a light inside every tunnel life throws our way! No matter what happened in 2020… no matter what 2021 has in store… standing between one old year and one new one together with the One who promises to “[make] all things new” is a pretty great place to be.

Looking forward to being there and welcoming in a new year, together with all of you…in Christ Jesus.

Shalom in Him,
Pastor Jonathan