In 2024 our yearly theme is Momentum. Taking all of 2023 to look at how Jesus is the foundation of our faith, has now brought us to this new theme. Getting momentum can be hard. Back in high school, I wrecked my car. We parked it at my grandpa’s farm until I had the money to fix it. When I had all the parts, I needed to push my car into the shop. After sitting for a few months, it has sunk into the mud. I tried as hard as I could. Eventually my dad and brother came out and helped push. It took a lot of strength and effort to get that car moving. The funny things was, once it was rolling, it was easy to keep moving. Dad jumped into the car to steer it while I alone kept it rolling.

            “When you have no momentum, even the simplest tasks can seem to be insurmountable problems. But when you have momentum on your side, the future looks bright, obstacles appear small, and trouble seems temporary” – John Maxwell. Moving my car seemed impossible. And yet, once there was movement, it became extremely easier. God has been moving in so many areas. Through missions we support we can see God causing momentum. God has also been at work here in St Joe Church of Christ. Just like my car, at times it felt like we were kinda stuck in a rut. But then a mighty hand reached down from Heaven and has given us momentum.

            Our theme verses are; Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

            We need to let go of any and every weight that keeps us stuck in a rut, so that we can run with the momentum God has called us to. The only way we can do this is be following the example, the footsteps of Jesus. This will help us get spiritual momentum. Paul describes spiritual momentum in Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

            Spiritual momentum is maintained by standing strong in the face of struggles and obstacles. Christians and Churches maintain spiritual momentum when they hold firm and do not fall away from the vision that God has given them when under pressure. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people to not give up on the call of God on their lives to rebuild the temple that the Babylonians destroyed. God told Zechariah to tell the people to maintain the spiritual momentum that was created by Zerubbabel. 

            Several times in scripture we can read where people were stuck, and yet God brought about momentum. When these people joined in where God was moving, great victories were made in the name of God. St Joe Church of Christ will not grow without each of our faith growing at increasing levels. There is a direct relationship to the growth of the church and the growth of the faith of the people in the church. In order for faith to grow and for St Joe Church of Christ to impact our community, we need to experience spiritual momentum.

Spiritual momentum has been created by God here. Through preaching and teaching of the Word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, each one of us can walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Following the momentum He has started here.

Have you experienced the loss of someone you cared for? The journey of grief is a painful process, and you do not need to walk it alone. We would like to encourage you to come to the special support group offered here at St. Joe Church of Christ called Grief Share.

Grief Share meets weekly, and the content is Christ-centered and biblical. You will find this to be a place where you can be around people who understand the pain of your loss. You will be prayed for and learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult season of your life.

Please remember your loss is shared by others in this church and what you are experiencing is sometimes easier to bear knowing others are listening and do care. May God’s love continue to comfort and strengthen you.

This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you.

Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member, or friend. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions.

You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal life and renewing your hope for the future.

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Groups begin meeting again in September.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”- Matthew 18:20 ESV