Growing together in Christ! My, how you’ve grown! I never appreciated these words as a kid. They were usually spoken by someone who I hadn’t seen in a while. And to me, it seemed like an overstatement of the obvious. Of course I had grown, that’s what kids do! Now I have a different appreciation for these words…especially as they relate to us as the body of Christ. Growing is an expectation for us as followers of Jesus. But just how do we grow? And how do we know if we are growing? Here are some areas in which we can be intentional about our growing both individually and as a community: worshipping, learning, serving, giving, and venturing (out). Over the next few weeks, I will be exploring these areas more in depth. But for now, I would encourage us all to take some time to reflect on how we have grown (or not) in each of these areas. Is there an area(s) that you personally want to focus on for the year? I know that I have been encouraged by the growth I have seen in my time here with you all over the past couple of years! And I look forward to “Growing together in Christ” with you in the years to come! Blessings,
Matthew+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP p.832) | 
