Wait, how long ago was 2020? That can’t be right. It seems so close, and yet so far away. When thinking about this past year, and writing this report, a scripture came to mind:
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5
The pandemic in a lot of ways was a blessing. It gave an urgency and clarity to the purpose of God’s church while also leaving plenty of uncertainty to necessitate trust in God. There was a simplicity and urgency in what needed to be done. But now it is 2023. It seems the simplicity is long gone, and despite a year of ministry and what feels like tireless work, what needs to be done is somehow a bigger pile than before.
As I look back at last year from a worship perspective it looks like a good year. We continue to preach the word of God, unwavering in His truth. We saw new people join the worship team and use their gifts for God’s glory.
Trinity Grace Church is worshiping on Sunday mornings on our church campus. Because of that we upgraded tech that not only helps them, but allows us to record and stream services in the church building as well. We were able to utilize the new system a number of times for weddings and funerals this past year.
We had a wonderful season of outdoor services both on our lawn and downtown for the Long Grove festivals. What a blessing to have that testimony to the community of God’s people gathered together in praise and worship of Jesus Christ.
So maybe I am alone in my feeling, asking the question: “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” How easy it is to see the goal, the destination off in the distance, put your head down and run with all your might only to look up and realize you didn’t get at all where you wanted. Outwardly 2022 was a good year. But at least for me as the Worship Director, it was a year of asking how can we do better. While improving and growing is important, looking inward can be a distraction to looking up to God and Jesus Christ.
Below are my important goals for 2023. You may notice that these goals tend to be the same from year to year, and this year is no exception. I want to focus primarily on the third goal: Strive for excellence in our worship of God, both in practical action and faithfulness to God. 2022 was a year of emphasis on practical action. My commitment for 2023 is to strive for faithfulness to God.
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5
I can think of no better ending to this report than the beginning of Psalm 42.
Psalm 42
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
My soul thirsts for God, the living God. My prayer is that Long Grove Community Church will be a place where everyone can go, and meet with God.
Important goals for 2023...
