This year our vision statement is “Be the Church in the Community”.  In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus said:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The church is not just a building.  Believers in Jesus Christ are the church, and our mission is to be salt and light in the world around us.

During the time of Jesus, salt was mined from a quarry, and it wasn’t always pure.  Impure salt was basically useless, but even if the salt is pure, unless it is applied, it has no effect. Jesus said that believers are the salt in the world.  But what kind of salt are you?

Light, wherever it is, makes an impact on the darkness.  Light dispels darkness. It reveals!  Is your light making an impact on this dark world?  What is the quality of your light?  Is your light covered up, hidden?  Is it shining dimly?  Is it shining brightly?

This year, our focus and challenge is to Be the Church in the Community.  We do this by being intentional in our interactions with others, by getting out into our communities, and while we’re out there, having meaningful conversations, establishing relationships, and by sharing the hope we have in Jesus Christ.