2020 is but days away from expiring. Most of us are saying, “Good riddance.” A quick glance at 2020 finds most everything painful has been on the rise—suicide, opiate addiction, child abuse, spousal abuse, unemployment, national debt, and crippling loneliness. Not to mention a global pandemic, toxic political climate, and the pain that so many African Americans have had to suffer (not since the Civil Rights Era) after the killing of George Floyd. This year will mark us forever!
But we are not a people of hopelessness. In fact, by the very nature of following Jesus, we are a people who expect resurrection. Or to say it another way, we are a people who rise!
A RESURRECTION PEOPLE
Which is one reason this resurrection power gives me confidence over our church community as we step into the new year. While I am seeing clearly the loss of this year, I am also single-mindedly aware of God’s providence and provision over our church. That is, while thousands of churches have closed permanently in 2020, our church was able to move and renovate 50,000 square feet of ministry space, all the while God sustaining and growing the ministries in our church that make the most difference in our city.
Our staff, elders, and pastors have been a renewed gift to our church as well. It may come as a surprise, but there was no handbook for leading a church through a pandemic. But our leaders, elders, and pastors walked in astounding dependence on Jesus and each other. Their love for people, humility in laying down their rights, and hope for our church have helped to keep my eyes on the only One who will sustain.
As we look to the future of Hope City Church and this journey into 2021, we are full of faith that Jesus will continue to make a way for his Name in Tuscaloosa. We are more than eager to connect with our neighbors close to our facility, expand our connection with local schools, launch a recovery ministry for those struggling with addiction, and to see University Blvd come alive by the grace and power of God.
For those who call Hope City Church home, it has been the joy of my life to walk with you this past year. I can’t imagine getting to do life anywhere else, except with you!
I’m looking forward to all that God will do in 2021!
Beautiful words!! Can’t wait to come back this year. From my journey in faith (Vineyard) to Hope City Church it’s been my family now for a few years and I’m home there. Love to all those in the ministry working hard to keep the community ALIVE IN CHRIST!!
Can’t wait to hug your neck!
Looking forward to 2021 and beyond! And following GOD’s leading. So excited to be a part of Hope City Church!
Me too!