Celebration Sunday

Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Celebration Sunday

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

NewDay Friends,
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the amazing things God has done over the past twelve years as we’ve gathered at this YMCA. Because we are ignited in our commitment to reach others with the message and love of Jesus, God has worked in and through us to make a difference in this place!

A few years back I was standing on the track overlooking the South gym as the children who were here for our kids program were playing a game with some of the leaders below. The joy I heard in their voices brought a smile to my face. But then one of the kids slipped and fell. A leader and another student quickly came to help them. Others gathered around to make sure that person was okay. The leader and the hurting student went to sit together off to the side. The other leaders and students continued to play.

I stood there observing the interaction of this leader toward this child in pain. The compassion and care I saw warmed my heart. I was flooded with memories at that moment of the many people at NewDay who this one represented. The caring community who sees the needs of those who need mentoring, those who are homeless, those who are hurting, and those who need hope. I am thankful for you all who see the needs and continue to step forward to offer the gift of yourself to meeting them.

This is a time of transition as we both celebrate what God has done and what He WILL do in this next stage of our life together!

Grateful for you,
John