Our Christmas season was concluded with two wonderful worship services: the Christmas Eve / Lord’s Supper Service, and our worship service on Christmas day. I am so thankful for everyone who attended as well as those who participated in making these services so special.

Please continue to pray for Brad and Lori. We have missed them for these past few weeks, and I know they miss being here. Although he is better, there are still many physical needs that need your prayers. Lori and Molly Grace are past the flu, and along with Madison, they are all looking forward to a better start to 2023 than the way 2022 has ended!

As we are on the threshold of 2023, most of us enter each new year with a sense of hope for improvement in our health, finances, relationships, and overall wellbeing. At the top of our list should be spiritual growth. Although that is a work of the Holy Spirit who lives in each believer, there are spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work of sanctification in our lives. I want to encourage you to commit to a daily time of Bible study and prayer, if you are not already doing so. Reading the Bible through each year is an awesome way to systematically navigate all of God’s word. There are numerous Bible reading plans available to help you. If you need help in choosing one, please let me know.

Also, to assist you in memorizing God’s word, a Verse of the Week will be printed in our weekly newsletter and each week’s Bulletin. This verse will be taken from O.S. Hawkins’ book, The Joshua Code. Dr. Hawkins has included an expanded devotion with each verse that gives insight and personal application. We still have a few copies available for $12 if you would like to have one.

Janice and I would like to express our heart-felt appreciation to you for all of the expressions of love you have shown to us throughout the year, but especially this holiday season. Thank you for the cards, gifts, texts, calls, hugs, and well wishes. We love you and thank God each day for the blessing of serving at RPBC!