What Are We Working On?

A lot of people start the year by setting goals. One friend of mine set a goal of reading 300 books. Another decided to run 700 miles. One chose to make 1,000 sweet treats. I’ll read and run and eat, but I’ll let them accomplish their own goals.

Goals are good. They help us focus and find motivation. A good goal is one we can actually accomplish—and one that still stretches us beyond where we are right now.

Meeting a goal like that serves us in two ways. First, there’s the obvious sense of accomplishment. That warm feeling of pride and confidence that comes from doing something hard and finishing it. But there’s also something quieter happening underneath that satisfaction—a growing belief in your ability to do more than you thought you could.

Scripture nudges us toward this kind of imagination. Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” Paul makes the audacious claim that he “can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Bible isn’t a self-help book. And at the same time, it is deeply concerned with your growth as a person. Over and over, scripture pulls us into relationship with something greater than ourselves—not to shrink us or consume us, but to help us discover a fuller, deeper life than we could imagine on our own.

So no, it’s not too late to set some goals for this year. What might yours be? How could you grow in prayer, deepen friendships, tend to your soul, or make space for joy and rest?

This kind of dreaming doesn’t just matter for individuals—it matters for us as a church. One of the first projects of our new Board is exactly this: setting goals together. Goals we can reach, and goals that stretch us beyond what’s comfortable.

If we want to grow in mission, maybe we set a goal to serve 300 families. If we want to grow in worship, maybe we commit to inviting ten new people each week. If we long to deepen our relationship with God, maybe the goal is to hear five real stories of transformation through worship, small groups, or service.

Here’s where I’d love your voice in this. What do you hope for? Where would you like to see this church grow? What feels like a faithful stretch for us right now?

In the coming weeks, we’ll be listening—through conversations, emails, and shared spaces—because this isn’t just a leadership exercise. It’s a communal one. And I truly believe God does some of God’s best work when we dare to dream together.

Will you Pray with me?

Every single one of you matters to this journey. Thank you for being here! I’m overjoyed! Here is my prayer for you.

God,

I give you thanks for all the people who are filled with holy curiosity about what you are doing in this community.

For the people who have been part of KUMC in its past - bless them.

For the people who are currently part of KUMC - encourage them.

For the people who are not yet here but will be soon - prepare our hearts to receive them as beloved children.

Amen.

“Listening is the first act of loving.”

Steph