Annual Meeting 2020

This year’s Annual Meeting is now in the history books. Between sickness and inclement weather, our turnout was a bit smaller than normal. There was good, spirited discussion, however. What I came away with is that despite the difficulties of the year past that there was still good work that was accomplished by the people of North Danvers. The year to come will certainly bring challenges, but if we continue to commit ourselves fully to accomplish what God is doing through us, and if each of us thinks of ways that we can contribute to the ministry here, I believe that 2020 could be a great year for NDMC.

This is not something we can take for granted, however. It will take all of us (and each one of us) being intentional about encouraging one another and inviting others to participate with us in this work. I have said before, and I believe, that people want to be a part of something that has purpose and consequence. When we are pursuing God’s mission in our communities, there is no greater purpose.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. day, so I want to share something he said that I think is very powerful: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly,” (“Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963). It’s important for us to realize how connected we all are. Especially in a close-knit community such as ours, what we do and say affects so many around us.

I want to end this E-gram by asking you to do two things. First, will you join me in being intentional about praying for our congregation, its leaders, and its mission every day? I know that many of you are faithful in this practice, but I would like us all to be encouraged and renewed in this commitment to faithful prayer for NDMC. Secondly, begin to think about someone you know who would be blessed by being a part of our North Danvers family. I’ve asked you to think in similar ways in the past, but as I said yesterday, we all need to be intentional about inviting people to come and worship with us.

Love you all, and God bless you all,

Brian