One more week before the ministry year begins in earnest. Soon many of our programs will be starting up again and we will also begin the process of implementing our five year strategic directions.

As I’ve been thinking about this daunting prospect I’ve been reminded of the fable of the tortoise and the hare. There’s a part of me that wants to jump out of the blocks and race away and there’s another part of me (the wiser part I believe) that recognises the need to adhere to the lesson of that fable and set a sustainable pace for the marathon that we are about to embark on.

This is one of my prayers for the year to come; that we would set a good pace.

A good pace is one where we allow ourselves time to prayerfully reflect and consider where we are and where God is inviting us to go; measuring the changes, laying good plans, etc. At the same time, a good pace is one that is willing to step out in faith before every ‘t’ is crossed and every ‘i' dotted. A little bit tortoise, a little bit hare.

We will need wisdom to set that kind of faithful pace.

As we get closer to the “starting line” can I ask you make this your prayer for our community of faith for the beginning of 2023?

I am confident that the Lord will answer that prayer and that we will make progress on what he has invited us into!