We ended 2022 in our annual Watch Night service. It was full of great nuggets for 2023! The Deacons led by giving words of encouragement sharing scriptural texts. Deacon Bell opened with Exodus 15, saying exalt His name, for he is our strength and salvation. Deacon Ellis referenced Psalm 90:12-17, “teach us to number our days”, telling us to look back, be thankful for all God has brought us through. Deacon Stokely used Isaiah 2:2-11 reminding us to always “Walk in God’s ways”. Our frequent visiting guest preacher, Apostle D.L. Wilson shared his three R’s: Repent, Reset and Reconstruct, encouraging us to reposition ourselves by evaluating our lives to do better. Rev. Gladys Bell using us her favorite scriptural slogan…to “bless the Lord at all times,” because He is our keeper. Then Pastor Williams culminated the service using I Peter 31:3-12 preaching “Come go with Me”. He encouraged us to forget the bad remember the good, pull ourselves together, follow the example of Peter’s friend and begin the new journey with Praise!
BLINK! Now it’s Sunday, January 1, 2023 , surely with little rest the congregation gathers for worship and Pastor Williams is back in the pulpit preaching another powerful word! The title, “Time for Growing” the text Galatians 4:1-7. Apostle Paul sounds an alarm against returning to the Law in search of salvation. Congratulations, you’ve been adopted. No more shackles for you. Your future is not behind you, stop looking backward.
So, Olive Grove Welcome to 2023!
The Year to Grow in Him! Let’s get growing. #GoFoward.