Similar to what Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” famously said, “My! People come and go so quickly here!”, I will say, “My! 2020 came and went so quickly!” I cannot believe that 2020 has come and gone! Over the last year, we have seen a lot of changes and tried new things. Some of us tried new hairstyles… or lack thereof in my case. We learned a different way of being the church in a time when we could not meet in-person. We learned how to share the love of Christ on new platforms and medias. We learned that loving our neighbors does not always mean the person across the street or around the corner.

As a church, we said “good-bye” to a pastor who had been with us for a very long time. We also said “hello” and “welcome” to the youngest, and first female, pastor of our church. We welcomed the footsteps of new “PK’s” or pastor’s kids. Thanks to numerous volunteers, we launched streaming our worship services online—reaching people right where they are—in their cars, homes, and workplaces—all with the touch of a screen or computer mouse. The work of the church kept on going because we answered the clarion call placed on our lives: to do all the good you can, for all the people you can, for as long as you can.

As human beings, it’s all too often a lot easier to be stuck in our negative emotions. It’s easier to focus on all that is wrong, to complain, and be miserable. We like to have those conversations with others where we commiserate on our collective misery. But, I do not believe that is what we are called to do.

Yes, last year was different, but Jesus calls us to be different and to do something different. Paul lays it out very simply and clearly in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica when he writes, “Rejoice always!”

At the advent of each year, many of us create New Year’s Resolutions. I personally take part in the pledging and writing of New Year’s Resolutions every year—sometimes successful, and sometimes not.

One researcher found that only 18% of us will keep those resolutions. What are your resolutions for 2021? Some of mine include being more attentive to others, enjoying more time with my children, and taking time to relax.

If you have not made a resolution yet, I have a suggestion: Be more joyful! What do you have to be joyful about as we start a new year? What is bringing you joy right now? For me, I’ve found joy in the simple things, like being able to spend a lot more time with my kids who are teenagers and are nearing the age of adulthood. I have found joy in the times when my partner and I dance to the theme song of “The Great British Baking Show.” I have found joy in the silence when I am in my den, quietly reading the word of God.

Joy—it is there if only we take the time to look for it. 2020 was long, and while we will remember it as the year of COVID-19, social distancing, and wearing masks, I challenge you to ponder what has brought you joy—to think about it—to dream about it. And then, once you’ve done that, figure out ways to bring joy to others. We are called to rejoice. Always. No exceptions. Amen.

Mitch Hortert
Church Council Chair

Photo by Julie