Happy New Year! Well, almost. Laura and I wish for each of you many blessings in the coming year 2024. In giving thanks for all of you among the community of Manchaca UMC, we also hope for a 2024 filled with grand celebration. Yes, the church has been an outpost for mission and ministry for 150 years! Let’s celebrate.
We practiced being present with the Lord and with each other during our Advent and Christmas season. Now to be fully present with others in Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle. Let us invite our neighbors into a year of celebration with us! Surveys say that the prime reason a person seeks a new experience with a faith community is because someone within that community offered a personal invitation and followed up with a shepherding conversation.
Shepherds had a role to play in the Christmas story! Witnessing to the glory of God in the birth of Jesus, they sought out Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to see for themselves. And then they did what they knew best: tending, caring, guiding, giving witness for Christ. Let us be like the shepherds for those in our community awaiting the news of Jesus.
Blessings along the Way,
Pastor Paul