I have some exciting news to share. Last week hundreds of pastors and laypeople representing approximately 600 Methodist Churches in New England gathered for our Annual Conference. As the culminating act of the conference Rock Church Ministries was the recipient of the "One Matters" award. This award is presented by the Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church to a church in each conference that has excelled in baptisms and professions of faith!
Naturally, we don't do ministry for the sake of awards. But I was excited about this because it represents the very heart of our ministry and our core convictions. Our mission as a church is to reach and disciple people for Christ, and our first core conviction is that everyone needs Jesus. And I believe the title of that award is true: One Matters. Every single person who comes to know Jesus is a heart changed and a life transformed.
So I want to take a moment to thank every one of you who invites, who serves, who welcomes, who shows love to the community around us in the name of Jesus. By your efforts, the hope of Christ is transforming our communities, one life at at time. I know it is not always easy, but what we do matters. In fact, it matters eternally!
Speaking of exciting things, I want to give you a little sneak peak of our next series. Beginning this Sunday we will launch a new teaching series entitled "Biblical Life Hacks." It is going to be a great series. You won't want to miss a single week.
Before I sign off, I also want to take a moment to celebrate Pastor Frank's ministry. Over the past 20 years, Pastor Frank has had a tremendous impact on Rock Church. From his incredible leadership in Men's Ministry to his key role in birthing our Plaistow Campus to leading us through the construction of our Sandown worship center, Pastor Frank has been instrumental in the growth of this ministry. This past Sunday, Pastor Frank preached his last official sermon in his role as pastor of our Sandown campus. I know I speak for all of us when I express my sincere gratitude for his faithful service over these many years.
Have a blessed week.
Pastor Steve