Ready or Not here comes 2012

With a new year now less then a week away our minds turn to reflecting on the past year and to looking forward to the next one. Some of you will be glad to see 2011 go by the wayside for it may have been a tough year for you and those around you. For others of you, you might be sad to see it go for it may have been a joyous year for you. It does not matter whether you fall into one of these two camps or somewhere in between, here comes a new year. A time to "Wipe the Slate Clean", to begin anew, to ponder a variety of New years resolutions bouncing around in your head. Allow me if a may to suggest just one, O.K. maybe two! First and foremost, seek ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus this new year. Read the Bible more, set aside a time of prayer each day and stick with it! Seek how you might better serve Christ. Don't look back on where you have been, but commit to Jesus today that in 2012 you are going to draw closer to Him. And the second item and also a way to grow closer to Christ is to make Worship a priority in your life. Put aside the multiple excuses that we all make at one time or another of why we cannot be in Church on Sunday and then make worship a weekly part of your life. It does not matter where you go, just go and give yourself over to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to make your 2012 an exciting one as those around you will see a different person. Why, because you have committed to put Christ back into the center of your life! Of all the New Years resolutions that you consider in the coming days, make being in worship one of them and then watch for the many ways God will move in your Life!
You are in prayers as we all enter together 2012! Pastor Rick

Playing Santa

Starting tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday December 21st and finishing up sometime on Thursday evening, I will once again get to go into "Santa Mode" as I and my two elves (my son-in-law Mike and my Grandson Ty) will begin to distribute toys, turkey's and other goodies to children and their families throughout our communities, whom without your generosity might not have a Merry Christmas! I get the joy and fulfillment of walking through the doors of many homes, seeing children smile, parents aglow with thanksgiving and a warmth inside that this is right. But I also know in my heart that I am simply the bearer of these gifts and it has been YOU who have taken the time to shop for these kids, that you have set aside some of your hard earned Christmas money to buy a toy or two for a child who you don't even know this Christmas. As I look at the Christmas Tree in our sanctuary garnished with presents, wrapped and ribboned with more color then a rainbow, I am overwhelmed at your love shown to your community. I stand there in pride of you, the rest of our local churches, our High School, and numerous businesses and community organizations that have made these days of delivery possible! May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bless you all richly this Christmas for your Love and generosity!
Thank you, your Brother in Christ Pastor Rick

A Christmas Invitation

I love coming home each day and walking into our home for everytime I do I am reminded that it is Christmas! You see my wife does a fantastic job of decorating and it blesses me each time I look around our home. I want to offer up to you several opportunities this Christmas that I pray that you will avail yourselves of so that you will be blessed amidst this glorious season. First of all I hope to see you all at Church this Sunday as our Children will be blessing you and Christ with thier program. I am told that we as well are going to be a giant bell choir during worship. Don't miss it! Then come Sunday night you have the opportunity to gather with your church family and to Carol people throughout our community. It all begins at 6:00p.m. at Sam & Marla Baughman's home. Afterwards we will have some refreshment back at the Baughman's. Then as we get into Christmas week I hope and pray that you can take part in our Christmas Eve service at 7:00p.m. where we will celebrate Communion together and have a Candlelighting service. Then the next day, Christmas Day we will worshipo at 9:30a.m. with a special worship service. A service filled with music and the Christmas Story. Both the Christmas Eve service and the Christmas Day service will only be about 45 minutes long so that you have plenty of time with family and friends. So, bless Christ this Christmas by worshiping Him and be blessed by Him as you fellowship with fellow believers! Hope to see you all a lot in the coming week or so!


Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick

"What the Heck is MLDT?"

For the past two years now I have served on a District committee called the Ministerial Leadership and Development Team or MLDT for short. This past Saturday we met in Peru Illinois a site chosen for it kept each of us on this team from having to drive to far. At that meeting we reorganized for the new year and I was called to Chair the team for the coming year. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking right now, "Pastor Rick, do you really need to be in charge of something else?" Anyway, I am. On the up side we usualu onlt meet 4 or 5 times a year. This team is a vital one for our District and for us here at Dutchtown. For they are the ones who oversee the credentials of our Licensed and Ordained pastors. They are also the ones to interview folks who feel a Call from God. Right now that may not seem to vital to you personally, but there will come a time when God takes me home or I retire and then the work of this group will be important to you as it is vital to many other churches who are in need of qualified pastoral leadership. This group also helps to provide our District pastors continuing education opportunities, just as many of you are also required to take cour es to stay fresh in your professions. Anyway, I ask you to please keep myself and this team of dedicated Christians in prayer as they seek to serve you faithfully. Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick Koch