Dear Church,

I have a challenge for you this year. It’s not really a challenge for you to do something more or even for you to become something more than you are now. My challenge for you this year is to assume that Jesus is so much more than Who you presently understand Him to be. Where has your relationship with Him become too familiar or predictable? Do you always say the same words to Him when you pray? Do you assume you already know what the Scriptures mean when you read what they say about Him? Do you have a long list of principles and experiences in your mind that inform how you think and feel about Jesus? I challenge you not to necessarily throw those things away but to set them aside for a time for the purpose of rediscovering Jesus. I will join you. Together, we can approach Him as the Divine-Human Mystery that He is and expect to be surprised by joy in His presence. If you are willing, pray with me:

"Jesus, we want to know You more. Surprise us with awe and wonder by leading us into fresh encounters with You this year. Show Yourself to be more than we have ever yet imagined.

AMEN."

On an adventure with you,

Kyle Chase, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team