7th November 2004
Can you believe we are already into November!
The year is flying by, but what a great year it's been. For me, it's been a year of milestones and special events. It began with the engagement of our first son Luke to Miriam in February. Then came my mother's 80th birthday in May; Joel's 21st in July and the surprise 25th year in ministry celebration that you gave me in August. And it rolls on.
In a few weeks' time Fiona and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary - another milestone of significance and at the end of the year of course is Luke and Miriam's wedding on 29th December.
Milestones are significant and should be celebrated. The biblical calendar provided various strategic stopping points within the Israelite culture for people to pause and reflect on all that God was doing and so the calendar was divided up by major religious feast days such as Pentecost, Passover etc.
Of course for our culture Christmas looms imminently. And for our local district another milestone has gone by almost unannounced. This year represents Stirling 's 150th anniversary, a milestone that I would suggest is of significance and yet has gained little celebration or even awareness within our community.
But not all is lost! On 19th December we are planning a special civic service of thanksgiving for all that our community represents. It will be a time to pause and reflect on the past but also with anticipation to thank God for the future. Advertising for this event will come out over the next few weeks but we are at present inviting various civic leaders including our local MP and Mayor to simply as a church say thank you to both of them, and also to God "from whom all blessings flow".
It's important to pause, catch our breath and remember to say thank you. In all the hurly burly of Christmas let's not forget the reason for the season and as a community and individually let's remember all the significant milestones at which point we can stop and say thank you to each other and our Lord.
Yours in Jesus,
Hans