A note from Pastor Travis 1/1/26

I love January, and not just because it’s the month of my daughter, Ashley, and my birthdays. I love January because a New Year feels like a fresh start. Now, we all know that despite the turning of the calendar to a new year, all of our worries, joys, concerns, and responsibilities remain with us. They aren’t just wiped away. Yet, despite this reality, it feels like there are new opportunities before us. We can start over and do things right. We can get in shape, lose weight, learn that language, read that book, break that habit, or start that hobby. Whatever we want to do, the possibility is there for us to do it. I love that feeling. 

So, each year I set goals for that year and get started. However, despite my best efforts, when December comes, I discover that there are things that I had wanted to do and changes that I had planned to make, which I haven’t accomplished. Yes, I’m disappointed. However, have no fear – January is almost here, and I get to start afresh! I can set new goals and try again.

This cycle reminds me of our relationship with God. We yearn to be the person that God calls us to be, and we earnestly strive to be that kind of person. However, we are human, and we are flawed. So, though we are good people, we fall short of who God calls us to be. Paul stated it well in Romans 3:23: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We want to live for God, but it is hard. We try, but never quite make it. It can feel discouraging. However, this is not the end of the story. Paul continues in verse 24, “they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” “Justified” is the religious word that means “to be put right with God.” Paul is telling us that God created us and understands us, but more than that, God loves us. Therefore, despite the fact that we are flawed and fall short, God forgives us and accepts us. In Christ, we have a fresh start. Yes, we will stumble again, but God will pick us up again, too. That is why we call our faith the “Good News.”

This January, as you think about your resolutions of the past year and the ones you will be making for 2026, I invite you to remember the Good News, and to know that you are loved by God. Yes, in this coming year, you will make some mistakes, but God will pick you up again and set you back on the right path. Rejoice in the opportunities that are ahead in 2019 and live boldly for Christ. Embrace the grace that God gives you and serve God in faithfulness.

Here are some of the exciting ministry opportunities for this January

January 20 –10-12 Melrose MLK Event

Our congregation is participating in the Melrose MLK Event. I hope that you will join us as we put our faith into action.

January 25 – 11:00 — Haitian Independence Celebration Potluck Fundraiser

Our annual Haitian Independence Celebration Potluck Fundraiser for Haiti. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a great meal, enjoy some fellowship, and donate money to a wonderful cause. We are asking people to RSVP so that we will have an idea of how many people to expect. You can RSVP by emailing the church office, fumc@fumcmelrose.com. If you would like to make a donation, you can write a check to the church and put “Haiti” in the memo line, bring cash, or donate through our website, https://fumcmelrose.com/e-giving/

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Travis