I know it’s not Christmas yet, but I am already excited about the new sermon series for the beginning of the new year.

2017 will be special for many reasons.

For the folks at First Baptist Covington, we will open our preschool and children’s areas late in 2017 (possibly in the early fall). This will finally allow us to begin new Bible Fellowship classes. For the first time in years, we will have room to expand our Bible study ministry.

When I arrived at FBC in 1989, I noted that we were two building programs behind. That has never changed–until now. We will finally have the space to do the kind of ministry the church has always sought.

This will be an exciting year. Sometime toward the close of the year and into 2018, we will also occupy the Commons area and the Worship Center.

Doing all of this means that we must be prepared–spiritually prepared. That is why I intend to preach about “Starting with a Bang!: Getting Off on the Right Foot for 2017.”

What do we need to do to get off on the right foot? We need to mend relationships–both with God and the people around us. We need to learn to pray and to give. We need to learn how to invite people to know God and to be involved in His church. We need to get close with God. Life isn’t about trying harder; it’s about living close to God and letting Him bring significant and lasting change to our lives.

This will be a great year. I look forward to living it with you and seeing how many people God will bring to Him. I look forward to seeing how God will work through His people.

Let’s do everything in our power to start the year off right.

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