Starting Point

Happy New Year! With the turn of the calendar, a fresh year full of possibility and opportunity awaits. How we invest our time will impact the world and people around us. It also determines in large part who we will become. 

In our culture, it can be hard to spend time on things that matter the most. I find it is helpful to make dates on my calendar to spend quality time with my family. Time for regular exercise also takes planning. In the same way, I also need to make appointments with God. If I don’t, other things that seem so urgent, but actually are less important, will squeeze God out.

This year, how will you set aside time for the things that matter the most? I encourage you to plan ahead or those golden opportunities to invest in eternity will slip by. Spending time alone creates space for God to enter into our busy lives. I enjoy combining a walk with prayer. As I walk, I allow my head to clear and then bring what is on my heart to God. Sometimes I pray for the people in the houses I pass by or thank God for the beauty of the natural world surrounding me. There are a myriad of ways to connect with God, but creating the space to do so takes some planning.
            
Many opportunities are available at CPC which can encourage you in your relationship with God. If you are unsure of what might be a good next step in your faith journey, I encourage you to contact one of the pastors or a CPC Spiritual Mentor. Many people have found a small group Bible study to be a place of encouragement and community. The most important appointment, however, is your own one-on-one time with God.
           
If you are new to faith, returning to faith, or exploring what you think about Jesus, Starting Point is a safe, no-pressure environment to investigate and discuss issues related to the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity. Small groups investigate the story of God from the beginning till now – and how God’s story can impact your life story. Two groups are forming during the winter, one on Wednesday evenings and one on Sunday mornings. To learn more, visit www.cpconline.org/startingpoint.

Wherever you are on your journey of faith, 2010 holds great promise and opportunity. My prayer is that this will be the year you set aside time for the things that are truly important. Doing so will change your life for all eternity.

Deb Kielsmeier serves as Associate Pastor for Outreach/Membership at CPC

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