This week between Christmas and New Year’s is the most
reflective week of the year for many, and for us at New Venture, even more so
as we prepare to serve North County in 2017. Looking backwards on a year of
incredible ministry and great blessings, we’re gearing up for a year of “New
Ventures” beyond anything God has taken our church through in the last 27
years.
Before Christmas, the rush was on here on campus and
outreaches throughout our community: Hundreds of toys collected and distributed
to children REACHED by our church family, Voices of Praise REACHING crowds of
shoppers and moviegoers at the Vista Village Christmas Outreach, the annual
Trees for Troops project which REACHES military families in thanks for their
service and sacrifice, and a Season of Celebration Services and Giving designed to REACH “each home in our region” for Christ.
This past weekend, as we celebrated with family and visitors
from around the world, we asked the question, “What if Christmas Never Happened?”
But beyond Christmas, it’s a question that applies to anything we do as a
church – or as Christians. What if…each of our outreaches never happened? What
if we didn’t invite that neighbor or friend to service, or the Open House last
fall? What if we hadn’t Partnered in Kid’s World or the Guest Center and made a
connection with that child or visiting family that made all difference?
In this week of reflection, what if the question wasn’t about
what God has done for us – but about how much more we could be doing for HIM? “What if we DID happen…?” in greater and more impacting ways, as individuals,
as a church, as Christians? What if we made the most of the opportunities God
has given in our neighborhoods and cities? What if we broke out of our comfort
zones and tried something new? What if…we started a whole New Venture?
As 2016 draws to a close and we prepare to scale new heights
in the New Year, we’re ready as a church to ask ourselves what we’re not doing
enough of…and how would San Diego County look different if we lived out our
belief in bigger, bolder ways that “with God, all things are possible”?
We challenge you to ask this question with us this Christmas
and New Year’s season as we ask God together what He’s calling all of us to be
a part of in the New Year. What is your personal “what if”? What could He do
through you at New Venture? What if the impossible happened for you andyou’re
your church home this year?
At NVCF, we’re going for it in 2017 and invite you to be a
part of what God has planned when we take leaps of faith in His name. “What
if…” we did it all for Him?
“Jesus did many other things as well. Even the
whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John
21: 25
