As our vision statement reminds us, we are…instruments of God’s unconditional love and grace for ALL people. That’s who we are and what we have been called to be for the past 102 years and counting. A community anchored in Christ and striving always to grow. Not merely, or even primarily, in numbers. But especially in faith, love, and service. And that decades-long commitment to growing in these important ways is what brings us to this moment and the challenge before us today.

Hope Grows Here will be an intentional, congregation-wide stewardship effort to promote and grow our ministry in significant ways. Hope Grows Here also reflects our core identity and history. And Hope Grows Here will continue to build on that legacy as we move ahead into the future.

In John 15:16, Jesus said to his disciples: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last…”Similarly, in Matthew 7: 17 and 20, Jesus noted: “…every good tree bears good fruit…Thus you will know them by their fruits.”

Here at First Christian Church WPB, we have been chosen and called by God to bear fruit that will last. And just as it’s been for the past 102 years, the challenge and the opportunity is once again before us. May we be faithful to that calling and continue to bear good fruit in his name!

Pressing On! Pastor Bruce