2007 is off to a good start. People seem excited about the freshness of a new year and a the opportunity to begin all over again. The services have been well attended and reverent, the perfect combination of spirit and dignity. The new adult Bible classes began last week, and the early reviews are both encouraging and enthusiastic. Long after the closing prayer is over, folks are staying and visiting and enjoying the company of their spiritual family. Come to think of it, 2007 is picking up right where 2006 left off.

It’s often difficult to decide what to preach or write about when things are going good like they are. It’s hard to find an area we need to work on when everyone is working so well. Our people are to be commended for creating such an atmosphere of devotion and peace that is prevalent in this place. The church as a collective body is enjoying the fruition of seeds that the individual members have sown and cared for. Today, a special Sunday, has been planned to help put the icing on what is already a satisfying piece of cake.

This morning, we will have a special sermon on serving in the kingdom. God has given work not just to a select group of people but to each one of His servants. There is a responsibility to be born by all. For the most part, the saints at Southside have shown a genuine interest in being involved and wanting something to do. Many even ask, “what more can I do?”

The elders have designed some work cards that will be distributed and collected at the conclusion of services this morning. This is an opportunity for every member of the congregation to indicate areas in which they feel suited to serve. Some pertain to what we do in the assembly, some involve work outside the worship service. These cards are designed to fit the theme of our current two-year plan: “I Want To Be A Worker for the Lord.” This is your way of making sure you are used in the way you want to be of use.

Tonight, Brother Bowman will deliver his annual State of the Church Address. This is a sermon that is several weeks in planning and preparation. It is calculated not only to inform us about what we’ve done in the past year but to challenge us to do even better in the coming year. It is not a mere formality or ceremonial sermon. The State of the Church Address is given at the beginning of each year to remind us to look backward, forward, inward, outward and especially upward.

By being a part of this special Sunday, you can help make 2007 the best year we’ve ever had. And you what you do right now can make a difference for years to come. Let’s keep a good thing going.