Well, I hope you survived the Chrismas season (technically it’s not over until Epiphany, which is this Sunday, just saying). Joanne and I were blessed to see all our children and grandchildren (currently 8, soon to be 9), as well as being able to celebrate our son Sam’s engagement. Another grandchild and a new fiancee will bring our immediate family to 20 this year. What a way to start the New Year!

Speaking of new, we’re starting a new sermon series this Sunday on “The Most Misused & Misunderstood Verses in the Bible” (#3Mverses). So many people today misuse Scripture in an attempt to get it to mean what they want it to mean, that certain verses have become widely misunderstood. People don’t usually start out trying to intentionally misinterpret the Bible, but they often allow their agenda to override God’s intended purpose for His Word. And so we wind up with, best case, shallow Christians who lack discernment, and worst case, heresies, cults, and people leaving the faith. So what can we do? Well, we’re going to dive deep into these verses and apply the basic rules of Scripture Interpretation (yes, there are rules!) and together learn how to read, interpret, and apply these verses rightly. Should be both interesting and enlightening.

Some other new things coming our way this New Year include two new adult Sunday School classes. We’re starting a new class on the Book of Esther this Sunday (followed by Ezra in March) and an innovative class on “Missions & The Church around the World” that will be taught by a different teacher each week – someone who has a personal connection to that country. If you haven’t made Sunday School a habit, now is a great time to start!

We’re starting the New Year with a new Pastoral Intern, Ben Hein. Many of you have already met Ben & Neva, but please make every effort to welcome them and help them to feel at home at Potomac Hills!

We’ll also be installing, trying out, and training on a new digital sound board for the next few weeks. This was the last project Rick Behrens was working on for the church and we’re so pleased that it’s finally here! That said, it will take some time for the worship and sound team to work the kinks out, so please be both kind and patient with them this month.

Finally, we’re having another New Member Class on Saturday, February 4th. If you haven’t had the opportunity to join, we’d love to have you. Just email me for more info! On top of all that, our Community Groups, Bible Studies, Women’s Joy Groups, Sunday School, etc., etc., etc. all starts up again. If you’re not in a group, contact Dave Dorst and we’ll get you plugged in somewhere!

Wow, that’s a lot of new stuff for a New Year. Let’s work together to get it started out right and let’s make 2017 one of the best years yet for Potomac Hills! See you Sunday, Dr. Dave.