A Journey of Faith and Fellowship: Walking Hand in Hand with God in Reading

In the heart of our journey lies a profound connection with the Divine, a journey interwoven with the grace of God, the teachings of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of our faith community here in Reading. Today, I am eager to share with you the divine milestones we've reached together and the ways we are continually called to serve and uplift one another in Christ's love.

## Nearing Our Fundraising Goal: A Testament of Faith

By the grace of God, we have reached 85% of our fundraising goal, a significant achievement that underscores the generosity and faith of our congregation and supporters. This milestone is a reflection of God's provision and the collective commitment of our church family to extend His kingdom on earth. While we celebrate this progress, we remain steadfast in prayer and action, trusting in God's timing and provision to meet our full goal.

## Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Celebration of Gospel and Legacy

The Spirit moved powerfully during our recent celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, an event I had the privilege of catalyzing through my roles within our community. Over 500 souls gathered at Albright College, united in gospel worship and reflection on Dr. King's enduring message of love, justice, and equality. This gathering was a vivid demonstration of the Holy Spirit at work, knitting our hearts together in remembrance and hope.

## Turbo Shots for Pastors: Feeding the Flock

Our initiative, Turbo Shots for Pastors, has been blessed with an enthusiastic response from the clergy of Reading's vibrant churches. It is heartening to witness the eagerness of pastors from both the RVMA and the Hispanic Pastors Association to delve deeper into the Word. Their participation in exploring the Christ-centered truths of Ecclesiastes is a testament to their hunger for spiritual nourishment and their dedication to shepherding their congregations with renewed insight and vigor.

## A Future Filled with Promise: New Pledges and Spiritual Growth

Recent pledges of support, coupled with the unwavering commitment of our existing benefactors, bring us closer to achieving our fundraising goal for the first time in eight years. This potential milestone reflects not just the work of human hands but the miraculous provision of our Lord. The overwhelming turnout and spirit-filled atmosphere at the MLK Day celebration, facilitated through divine connections within our ministry, are powerful reminders of what we can achieve when we align our efforts with God's purposes.

## A Divine Success Story: Rooted in Faith and Fellowship

As we continue on this path, let us do so hand in hand, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Our journey together is a divine narrative, crafted by the hands of God and enriched by the fellowship of our church community in Reading. It is a story of faith in action, of lives transformed by the gospel, and of a community united in Christ's mission.

I invite you to be an integral part of this continuing story, as we seek to embody Christ's love in our actions and to serve as beacons of His light in Reading and beyond. Your prayers, support, and partnership are the foundation upon which we build our ministry, striving to fulfill the Great Commission and to manifest the kingdom of God in our midst.

Thank you for walking this path with us, for it is together, in the fellowship of the Spirit, that we can truly make a difference in the world for Christ's sake. Let us press on, encouraged by our shared victories and sustained by the unending grace of God, as we look forward with hope to the wonders He will continue to work among us.

Melvin Sensenig