This past weekend was a special, significant and memorable event in the life of New Day Community Church. I don’t think I can adequately express the amount of joy and gratitude I experienced Sunday morning, being able to gather, worship, and celebrate with so many generations of wonderful people the Lord has blessed us with over the decades. As a member who has been attending this congregation for the last 36 years, I have been a witness to the things God has done in the lives of so many members of our church. We’ve shared countless joyful experiences together, and we’ve suffered many tragic, grief-filled circumstances as well. And God has been faithful and steadfast THROUGH IT ALL.

This is a new beginning, but also a continuation of the beautiful tradition ongoing in the life of the church. Tradition is defined as “the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.”

THIS is our tradition (from Romans 12):

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary:

‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)

This is what the world needs right now, which is Jesus’ bride at her best. Well done, New Day Community Church. Cheers to the Mensers, this next season, and for the many joys set before us that are yet to come!