Dear Beloved Church Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you walking in the grace and truth of God, surrounded by His peace that surpasses all understanding.

As I reflect on the events and seasons we are navigating—both individually and collectively—I find myself asking the profound question: What is God up to?

God’s Work in Us

Scripture reminds us that God is always at work. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” In our personal lives, God is refining us, shaping us into the image of His Son. The challenges we face are not arbitrary but purposeful. They are tools in the hands of a loving Father, teaching us perseverance, deepening our faith, and calling us to trust Him more fully.

God’s Work in the Church

God is moving powerfully within His Church. Even in seasons of uncertainty, He is building His Kingdom, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Through every trial, He is teaching us to lean on one another, to grow in love, and to carry the light of Christ into a world desperate for hope. Our unity, worship, and service reflect His glory and remind the world that we are His disciples.

God’s Work in the World

God is not distant or indifferent to the world’s struggles. He is sovereign over nations and history, working out His redemptive purposes in ways we often cannot see. Even in times of turmoil, God is drawing people to Himself, opening hearts to the Gospel, and raising up His Church to be a voice for truth and justice.

What Is Our Response?

1. Seek Him Daily
   Let us not grow weary in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. The more we draw near to God, the clearer His purposes will become in our lives.

2. Trust His Plan
   Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. God’s ways are higher than ours, and we can rest in His perfect plan.

3. Step Out in Faith
   As God reveals opportunities to serve, share the Gospel, and be His hands and feet, let us move boldly. He is calling each of us to be part of His work in these times.

Church, God is up to something magnificent, and we are privileged to be part of it. Let us press on together in faith, knowing that His plans are for our good and His glory. May we live each day with expectation, ready to see His hand at work in and through us.

In Christ’s love and service,
Bill Doane

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter this season of harvest, we find ourselves drawn to a time of gratitude and reflection. In Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the Lord gives us a powerful reminder of the significance of this season. Through Moses, God instructed the people of Israel to bring the first fruits of the land as an offering, acknowledging both the abundance they received and the One who provided it. This command was not simply about the giving of produce; it was an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a celebration of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

The passage begins with, “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it…” (Deut. 26:1). This verse reminds us of the journey and transformation that God leads us through as His people. Just as the Israelites journeyed from the wilderness into a land of promise, each of us is invited to see our lives as part of God’s unfolding story—a story of provision, promise, and abundant life.

In obedience to God’s instructions, the Israelites gathered their first and finest crops and brought them to the priest as an offering. This act was an acknowledgment that the harvest was not theirs alone, but a gift from God. As the church, we, too, are called to offer the first fruits of our labor, whether it be our time, resources, or talents. By doing so, we are reminded that everything we have and everything we are, comes from Him.

This season, as we consider what we can offer back to the Lord, let us not only give in gratitude but also reflect on the journey that God has led us through. Each one of us has a story of God’s provision, guidance, and mercy. Just as the Israelites recounted their history, let us also remember and share how God has worked in our lives, helping us grow through challenges and blessing us with His grace.

In Deuteronomy 26:11, we read, “Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.” This verse reminds us that the harvest is not only a time for personal reflection but also for community celebration. We are encouraged to gather with those around us—our families, our fellow believers, and even strangers—to rejoice in God’s goodness together.

Let this harvest season be an opportunity for our church to come together, sharing our blessings, supporting one another, and celebrating the generosity of our faithful God. May we not hold back in offering our first fruits, trusting that as we give, we will be enriched in ways beyond measure.

With hearts full of gratitude, let us enter into this season of harvest with joy, faith, and a renewed commitment to our Lord.

In Christ’s love and service,

Bill Doane

 

Dear Church Family,

I pray this letter finds you all well and resting in God’s grace. Seasons are an intrinsic part of God’s creation, marking transitions and new beginnings. Just as He orders the natural seasons, we also find seasons in our lives and in our church community.

As we step into this new season, let us remember that God has a unique purpose for each time and place. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." This is a season of both change and growth, and we are called to step forward in faith, trusting in God's leading.

In this new chapter, our mission remains rooted in Christ, who calls us to grow in faith, to reach out with love, and to serve our community. Together, let us lean into His guidance, embracing fresh opportunities for ministry, discipleship, and fellowship. I invite each of you to consider how God might be calling you to engage, whether through prayer, serving, or joining one of our small groups or ministries.

Let’s open our hearts to what God is doing in our midst, welcoming new members and ideas, and continuing to stand together as a church family. May this season bring us closer to each other and deeper in our walk with Christ.

Thank you for your commitment, your prayers, and your faithfulness. Let us move forward with joy and anticipation for what God has in store.

With love and blessings,
Bill Doane