Vicar’s January Message

At the start of a new year, a lot of people take time to reflect. They think about what they’ve done, where they’re headed, and what the year ahead might hold. For many, it’s a chance to start fresh. While looking back can teach us valuable lessons and even help us fix a few things, the real focus should be on moving forward and prioritizing what matters most.

January is a great time to help others reconnect with their faith. Sure, people make all kinds of resolutions—like reading the Bible more, losing weight, or getting out of debt—and those are all good. But one of the most important resolutions anyone can make is to put Jesus first in their life. For some, that means accepting Him as their Saviour for the first time, while for others, it might mean recommitting to their faith.

This time of year is the perfect chance to walk alongside people as they take steps toward a stronger relationship with Jesus. Paul summed up what our faith is all about in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” It’s a reminder of why our faith matters so much.

Life can get busy, and it’s easy to forget the command to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27). That’s why starting the year by giving Jesus first place in our lives is so important—not just for us, but for our families and communities too. It’s about taking a moment to refocus and inspire others with the hope Jesus brings.

Jesus came to give us hope, and His Word is powerful and true. As we dive into this new year, let’s take the opportunity to share that hope with the people around us. Whether it’s encouraging someone to take their first step toward faith or simply reminding them of God’s grace, this is a great time to help others start the year on the right path.

Rev Steve