2014 is gone, but it’s worth considering where all we have been and what we’ve done in the past year.  With fear and trembling that I may be leaving out something crucial, here are some of the highlights from the year.  Some of these are things that happen every year and are part of the annual rhythm of the congregation, others are unique to 2014.  All of them are the work of an active community seeking to follow Jesus Christ and be led by the Holy Spirit.

Open mic night with music and stories + serving breakfast at Community Resources Center +hosting Central District Conference regional gathering and discussing theme of “Text and Table” + hosting Pete Seeger tribute concert + Coming of Age celebration for six jr. youth: Quinn B, Grace R-W, Steven A, Micah N, Phoebe Y-T, and Jack Z Skyping in from China + group meals hosted at different homes have over 100 participants + sr. youth participate in catechism class +MCC comforter knotting party + book signing for Linda M’s Belief Without Borders + Lent theme: “New perceptions in familiar places” + Lenten daily devotionals written by CMC folks + welcome five new members: Paul R, Sharon H, Joanna S, Martha and Adam R + dedications for babies Maya B C and Nora J R + BREAD Nehemiah Action focuses on mental health access and follows up with immigration and truancy concerns + new website launch + high school graduates: Tennison G, Andrew N, Gabby + outdoor service at Highlands Metro + connecting with Ben and Beth W, Columbus folks serving with MCC Central and West Africa + Continued monthly meals at YWCA Family Center with rising numbers of families in need + Twelve Scriptures project accompanied with visual panels and color ribbon + CPT rummage sale + Expanding our Welcome conversation and affirmations of commitments to LGBTQ brothers and sisters + youth and sponsors serve with SWAP + Central District annual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin + a summer Men’s Breakfast potentially breaks record for most in attendance + calling and installing Mark R as Pastor of Christian Formation + Vacation Bible School with theme “Give and receive God’s love” + Babies born: Lillian M-M, Maisie S, Maeve Z, Oliver and TheodoreT + CDC’s decision to license Mark and articles in The Mennonite and Mennonite World Review + Rosa Wyse wedding + Bibles presented to second graders Henry W, Lily M, and Paxton B + Fall Retreat at Camp Luz includes poetry from Becca L + Hosting three women from our sister church in Armenia, Colombia + Parents’ Night out gives young kids a chance to play and parents a date + All Saints/Souls service of remembering + Thanksgiving Bountiful Table collects gifts for local ministries + Advent worship theme: “Disruption” + children perform “Bethlehem’s Best” play + Christmas Eve service + early in 2015 two significant documents have been released related to sexuality: an depth research and reporting on the abuses of Mennonite theological John Howard Yoder, and results from a survey to credentialed leaders regarding attitudes toward LGBTQ Mennonites.

The journey, the journey is long – but good and filled with blessings along the way.  Peace, wisdom, and grace to us as we set out on a new year together.

J