Tuesday, February 10, 2015

New Wine Report - Feb 2015


Several of our fellowship have gone to more warmer climates this time of year. Florida and Arizona seem to be the favored locations. Some may see this as a flight from the snow and cold, but we prefer to see them as missionaries to the South.

Seriously, it does a pastor's heart good to hear reports of ministry happening from those who travel afar. We do feel their absence. Unfortunately our average Sunday attendance of 2015 is only around 16. But we are also encouraged to hear reports of how our traveling folks are constantly encountering “God-moments” on their journeys. One person is involved in leading a Bible study while others find witnessing opportunities while staying with friends and family on the way. One of our folks even helped in a project to create a “baptismal font” for a new Anglican church.

For those left to hold down the fort amid the cold and snow we still find many ministry opportunities here in Genesee County. One of our cell groups has changed its location this winter to accommodate a couple who due to aging issues cannot get out much in the winter. They have now brought a “house church” to them and all are blessed. Another group has gained a new person who after being very active in their church had recently been rather isolated and uninvolved. They now have joined the group and report a freshness to their spiritual life. Yet another our cell groups which has been lead by our church members is being lead by non-members while they are away for the winter. We will hold our Ash Wednesday Service with this group in which over a dozen participants who are not from New Wine will be joining us as we mark the beginning of Lent.



It has been a difficult season for the work and me personally. Last year I returned to bi-vocational work by working 2 days at the Flint Farmers market selling cheese. Time away from direct ministry is hard for me when I know so much more can be done for the Kingdom. (“The harvest is plentiful...”) We have also seen several folks leave the fellowship for various reasons which is sad and their absence is deeply felt. At the beginning of the year I quit the cheese shop and a unique opportunity presented itself in the form of a Hospice Chaplain position. I applied and was accepted, but soon into the training it was apparent that the demands of the work were just not going to allow me to do Hospice, New Wine and my work with South Haven. After much soul searching and prayer, I have chosen to focus only on New Wine and Holy Trinity. The combined income from these two churches will allow us to meet our living expenses. We are grateful and I have found a renewed passion and energy towards focusing only on parish ministry!


Just last week a parishioner shared a sense of seeing some long awaited fruit about to spring forth. A young couple has recently started attending and a few other relationships are showing promise. The work with South Haven is entering a new busy phase as they are accepting applications for their new rector. I have already started the vetting process while coaching them through the early interview stage. This is an exciting time.

Please keep New Wine and Holy Trinity in your prayers. We need discernment concerning what will be ahead once our ministry with South Haven is completed. Pray for a season of growth and renewed health and wisdom to the right things at the right time.


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