Dear Westside Family & Friends,

Hey everyone!  I trust that you are all enjoying the New Year and staying dry.  I keep hearing the wonderful things that God is doing among us, please keep passing along these good reports.  They are very much appreciated.

I mentioned last time: Our theme for Westside in 2010 will be “Good Stewards.” We want to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us, body, soul, and spirit.  “To whom much is given – much will be required.” This is our charge for this year.  We want to be a people that keeps growing in our relationship with God and with others – while using our gifts to serve others – thereby bringing glory to the Father.  When December 31st rolls around, I don’t want to have any regrets about lost opportunities during the year.  I trust that you feel the same.

With this in mind, we are encouraging everyone to get healthier physically.  Find a friend that will hold you accountable in this area.  Those of you doing well in this could offer your support to those who are struggling.

We also want everyone to grow personally and spiritually.  We will be providing you with many opportunities to learn more about our faith and what we believe in.  Please take a close look at our Westside 201 class that began this afternoon at 4:00pm.  I taught on:

How did we get the Bible?
How can we know the Bible is reliable?
How can we know there is a God?
Basic beliefs
etc.

If you did not make it, we continue next Sunday at the same time with Westside 201, Part 2. Hope to see you there!

I also began a series, this weekend, on the life of Joseph, one of my favorite Bible characters.  We can learn much about stewardship from him.  I am really excited about this topic.  I hope that we will all embrace what God has in store for us and purpose in our hearts to respond to His encouraging us onward.

Love you guys . . .

Steve