Whenever I am faced with the approach of a new calendar year, I usually ponder what has taken place in my life in the past year and consider what I want to change and improve upon in the coming one. My goals for the New Year are probably much like yours: lose some weight, spend more quality time with family and friends, and improve my walk with the Lord.

As I look back over what has transpired in the life of our church this past year, I am truly amazed. Just consider the following:

• A pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch provided by the Men’s Group
• Several covered dish fellowships
• A successful Vacation Bible School with Lawrence Chapel UMC
• A few workdays at the church that improved the church and parsonage campuses
• An Easter Egg Hunt and a Christmas Party for the kids
• Our annual Fall Festival at the Smith’s house
• A Tailgate Party and a Christmas Open House at the Parsonage
• The baptisms of three individuals and the confirmations of three young men
• A fruitful and encouraging Charge Conference
• Another good result at the Minister’s Cook Off (Yea for 2nd Place!)
• New members joining the church
• Four weddings of church members
• Five church members who have gone on to the Church Triumphant and now rest from their labor
• The giving and mission-minded spirit of the church that saw us raise money for Clemson Community Care, Salkehatchie Summer Youth Project, World Thank Offering, and our own food pantry