January 2
From the Pastor:

As we watch 2011 fade into history and look forward to what 2012 may hold, all around us much reflection is taking place and new resolutions are being made with prospects for the new year.  We here at Maranatha Baptist Church are no different.  As I look back, I am grateful for what the Lord has done through our congregation.  Continuing growth in our assembly, advances in the bus ministry, and a greater outreach through support of both local and foreign missions are just a few of the things that demonstrate the goodness of  God in our midst.  Add to that the fact that the Lord enabled us to pay off the church mortgage, while at the same time accomplishing several other improvements around the church, and you begin to see God's faithfulness toward our ministry.  2011 has given us many reasons for rejoicing, but for some it has had its trials.  Some have had difficulty in finding employment in this struggling economy, while others have been faced with saying farewell to a loved one, and still others that have faced health issues in their lives.  To each of these I leave the words to the chorus of one of my favorite hymns “Does Jesus Care.”

Oh yes He cares I know He cares
His heart is touched with my (your) grief
When the way seems weary The long nights dreary
I know my Jesus cares.

Turning our attention to 2012, I do so realizing the need for continued improvement in our ministry efforts.  I would never want to come across as though we have arrived.  However, we look forward to this coming year with great anticipation, believing that God has some great plans for our church.  In January we will assemble several committees for pursuing some of the directives given us by the congregation from the recent needs assessments filled out by our membership.  These include directives for building and additional ministry efforts.  We also look forward to Pastor Anthony Weatherbee joining our church staff in May.  I believe he will be a tremendous asset to our ministry, and will add the needed support for improvement in our current ministry and the addition of new ministries.  This potential has led me to select the theme, “By His Spirit”,  taken from Zechariah 4:6. It would be far too easy for us to focus on all our efforts, and forget that what God desires to accomplish, he desires to do so through His Spirit.  Our reliance must be upon God and not our own strength.

To His glory,

Pastor Haymaker