This is a letter published for our church family in our weekly newsletter on December 20, 2009.
Dear Friends,
As this year draws to a close I look back with a sense of gratitude. It has been a topsy-turvy year, in many ways the most challenging of the four I have spent serving through Newlife. We have celebrated significant growth in our worship attendance, children’s ministry, small groups and giving. We have seen many people come to new faith in Christ, especially through our youth and young adult ministry. Crossroads has expanded its ministry to include a new Helensvale campus. In all these things and many more we see God at work.
But we have seen God at work in other ways as well. It has been a year of grief and loss for many of us, and for others a year of mistakes and regrets. In even these things – especially in these experiences – we are able, and have experienced the gracious presence of God. And so as I look back over 2010 with all of its ups and downs I am thankful. I am thankful for the grace of God, by which I not only stand, but in which I thrive.
On behalf of the Ministry Team and Elders I want to thank you for the way you supported the ministry of our church – through service, prayer, giving and encouragement. We have the amazing privilege of serving God together. I could not imagine another group of people I would rather serve alongside!
Next year promised to be one that again will be full of great challenges and wonderful opportunities. I know that as we step out in faith to follow God’s call to serve and love our city in word and deed that God has gone before us.
Sue and I pray that you and your family will experience and celebrate again this Christmas the wonder of God’s love for us in the birth of Jesus.
Every Blessing,
Stu Cameron
Lead Minister
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