Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer… (Revelation 6:1-2 (ESV))

2022 provided many wonderful example of the amazing ways that Christ is riding ahead building His church!

First, He brought through our doors many visitors! I was recently looking back over the last three years of attendance records, and in 2020 we were blessed to enjoy 39 visitors, in 2022 He brought us 85 visitors, and in 2022 more than 170 people visited our congregations!

Second, of those whom He drew into our midst. He was pleased to see 11 become communicant members at First RPC (3 covenant children professed faith, 3 were received by transfer from other RP churches, and 5 adults professed faith). In addition to those additions to our fellowship, He saw us baptize six people (1 adult and 5 covenant children).

Third, he graciously preserved the lives of our members.

Fourth, He was pleased to draw more people into worship this year by increasing attendance in both morning and evening services.

Fifth, He has preserved and expanded our ministry opportunities at the RP Home and the Franciscan Manor. In addition to weekly services, I am also hosting a weekly Bible study at the manor. In recent months, I have been called upon to provide a memorial service for one of the residents. A request from another area nursing home is now being considered.

Sixth, He allowed us to enjoy more times of fellowship and study together in 2022. We saw the resurrection of the monthly men’s prayer breakfasts, multiple midweek book studies and membership classes, and the Kids’ Quest program. It is so great to see these programs resumed after the Pandemic!

Seventh, I am thankful for His enabling us to make it through the book of Revelation in just a bit more than a year. I appreciated the feedback from the congregation and certainly was encouraged myself as I worked through that book. In the coming year, we’ll be working through the Gospel of Luke and will keep working through the Minor Prophets.

Lastly, I give thanks to God for the love exhibited amongst the congregation and that they so lavished upon my family.