The words recorded in 2 Chronicles tell of the consecration of the Temple. Built to the Glory of God and for the purpose of reminding God’s people that God had a dwelling among them. Built in a time when the world was in great need, a time of famine, peril and pestilence. A time of great unrest. A time of upheaval, change and uncertainty. Yet one thing remained constant – God’s Love for His Children. 

As we begin the journey that will be 2016, we pause to reflect on 2015. As we reflect on the year just past, we recall that we gathered to worship for almost 120 times counting special worship celebrations, we said hello to some new faces and bade farewell to some familiar faces, we prayed together, laughed and cried together. We studied together, served together and sought to be faithful in living out our shared commitment to making disciples and transforming lives. Thank you for your faithful support of our shared ministry that made 2015 a great year of Kingdom building!

 "A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (CEB) 

Christmas brings both celebrations and challenges... 
The birth of the Christ child is cause for rejoicing! The arrival of the long awaited Messiah! God with us - a time of great celebration! Many had waited with eager anticipation the arrival of God's Kingdom. The weight of the world would be on the shoulders of the newborn King! The arrival of the Christ child, meant that the World would never be the same - and that would mean many challenges. The earthly rulers, kings and potentates would not easily surrender their authority and submit to the Kingdom of God. The paradox of the celebration and the challenge of Christmas are still evident in our world today.

 As members of the Body of Christ in Rome, Georgia we have an obligation to care for those who need care in our midst.   James 1:27 - "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and   widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  I have sent the following article for publication in the Rome News Tribune and I share it here with you to invite you to help Rome First continue to be First in the Community by leading the way in caring for our neighbors across the street, across the community, and across the globe