Want to start the New Year off right? Tired of making New Year’s resolutions only to have broken them by January 13th? Well, John Wesley, the 18th Century Founder of Methodism, created a service to re-dedicate ourselves to God at the beginning of the New Year. I n his journal, Wesley wrote this:
“I mentioned to the congregation another means of increasing serious religion which had been frequently practiced by our forefathers, namely, the joining in a covenant to serve God with all our heart and with all our soul. I explained this for several mornings, and on Friday, many of us kept a fast to the Lord, beseeching him to give us wisdom and strength, to make a promise unto the Lord our God and keep it.”
Some instructions to those who wanted to join this service and covenant with God in the new year might include:
Seeking peace with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Having the witness of God’s Holy Spirit within yourself.
Desiring not to sin.
To be attentive to God’s Word to you.
To pray daily.
To respond to God’s call to ministry.
If you desire to do all these things, this service is for you. We will participate in the re-affirmation of the Covenant on January 8th at 10:15 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ 