There are many wonderful churches in our area, and in those churches there are many wonderful people
who worship the one and only true Living God and His Son Jesus Christ. Each one of those churches are
different in many ways and the same in many ways, just as people are all different in many ways and the
same in many ways. It is God’s provision that there are many church homes for the many believers. I
believe that each church has purpose in God’s kingdom. Each church draws certain people to them, or
rather God draws certain people to each of them. It has become so very clear to me that Narrows
Community Church was established by God to draw certain people to worship here. We are quite a
collection of souls.
Over the years we have contemplated our purpose in the kingdom. Changes have been tried, all good, but
not all applicable to us. It seems we always come full circle back to our roots. The roots of Narrows
Community Church are simple. We are a place with the doors wide open to all who seek to worship God
in freedom and in truth. We are a place founded and sustained by nothing more that the love God has for
each and every one of us. Anyone who enters through our humble doors is offered that love. God’s love
given us through the shed blood of His dear Son Jesus is our only foundation. He, Jesus, truly is our
cornerstone.
The Bible, the inspired Word of God, is our only authority. If that be true today and if it be true
tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and the day after that, then God will continue to flood us with His
blessings and love. His Word, the Bible, is light that shines in the darkness of our lives. Our mantra is:
“The little white church on the hill that welcomes and encourages all in faith.” We all know that Jesus is
the light that shines in the lives of His believers. We also know that His light will shine into the lives of
all who seek Him. We desire to be the beacon that shines the light of Jesus into lives of all who desire
Him. My prayer is this, that we never cease being that beacon on the hill.
I could speak of the passing year, but that is past. It has been a great year for our intimate church, and
many wonderful things occurred there, and all of it was by the work of God through us. It is the coming
year I want to talk about. I have great hopes for the coming year, as I am sure many others do. I am sure
we will have Bible studies, which are absolutely our first task, for we can only share truth that we have
been given by God through His Word. There will be many tasty opportunities to share the skill of our
awesome cooks. There will always be a service on Sunday morning, regardless of the weather. This I
know, the weather will never keep me from opening the doors on Sunday morning. There will be clothing
for the needy, free and clean and unblemished. There will be Saturday evening worship throughout the
summer once-or-twice a month. These things we do and they are truly the fruit of the Spirit. There may
be more we can do.
God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are our strength and wisdom, and the people of Narrows Community Church listen to the voice of God. This church has survived through its many years by the
prayers, efforts and imagination of its people, the men and women. The church will thrive in the years to
come because of the love that the people have for the church. I believe a church is only as strong as the
men and women who worship and work together.
Ladies of the church, I commend you for your untiring efforts. You are faithful leaders and servants. I
value your leadership and service. Where would this church be without the strong women we have? I
know you have many great ideas and desires for our church, and I know you pray and listen to God.
Men of the church. God has given me a desire to bring the men of the church together to eat, study, and
work. Men, let us think and pray on this. I have ideas, so what are your ideas? Maybe a better question
might be, “What are God’s ideas?” Hmmm!
Whatever we do in the coming year, it is certain we will do it all together, and God will be our strength.
We have a need, and command, to pray for each other. We do this. I think a prayer chain would be a
wonderful way that we can speak to God on behalf of each other. This will keep us connected to each
other. If someone would like to take this on as a ministry, I am sure you will be greatly blessed.
What is in your heart? How might you be of service to the family of God? There are opportunities to
serve in the worship service, reading, ushering, music, and prayer. I hope to have a discussion about the
worship service early in January, following a service. I will let you know when we will gather for that
discussion. You will be blessed.
So, with all I have said here, I have not mentioned growing the church. I have come to understand that it
is not my place or your place to do that. That is God’s work. All we need to is invite people. Those who
come will receive blessing. Some who come might stay, some others will not, but they will take with them
God’s blessing and our love. Thank God that He has not, so far, called us to be a megachurch!
We have walked a great road together, and the road ahead will be great. One day we will all be together
in God’s Heaven, and there we will walk on streets paved with gold. We walk with each other on a dusty,
rocky road now, and we walk this road with our dearest Jesus. How wonderful shall it be to walk with
Him on those gleaming streets?
Finally, I love this church and all who come to its doors. I love God, I love Jesus, and I love the Holy
Spirit who strengthens me. I will continue to pray for this intimate family of God, please pray for me.
With all my love,
Pastor Stanley