18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)
Dear Grace Church Family:
As we step into a brand-new year, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. The past year held its share of victories, challenges, prayers answered, and lessons learned. Through it all, God proved faithful. We can look back and clearly see moments where His grace sustained us, and His hand guided us forward.
At the same time, a new year invites us not to live in yesterday, but to embrace what God desires to do next. Isaiah reminds us that God specializes in new beginnings. He is not finished with us, nor is His work among us complete. Each new season carries fresh opportunities for growth, healing, and renewed purpose.
I’m reminded of a farmer who prepares his fields each spring. Though last year’s harvest may have been good, he doesn’t sow new seed into old, hardened ground. He plows, prepares, and trusts that new growth will come. In the same way, God invites us to prepare our hearts for what He wants to plant in us during this year ahead.
May this be a year where we release what holds us back and embrace what God is calling us toward. With expectancy and trust, we step forward together, confident that the God who has carried us this far is already at work in the days ahead.
I want to warmly invite you to join us for worship on the first Sunday of the year. Let’s begin this new season the best way possible—together, in the presence of the Lord, with hearts open to what He wants to do. Bring your family, invite a friend, and come ready to start the year with faith and hope.
With hope and anticipation,
Pastor Darryl & Pam McDuel
2026 – A Year of New Beginnings
Happy New Year!
Pastor Darryl and Pam McDuel
