Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Throughout our Conference, we have spent time talking about Building Bridges and Making Connections over the past couple of years. Now it’s time to prepare for something new. What will come of those bridges and connections? With prayer and discernment, some kind of new life will spring forth!

As we journey through the Advent season and prepare for the arrival of baby Jesus, let us also ponder what else may be beginning.

Where else do you see new life?

Perhaps a new program to reach new people in new places. Perhaps there is renewal within your church and vitality is emerging.

Perhaps we shared the Good News with others and they now have new life in Christ because of the connections we made with them as Christians.

You’ll see this theme of Preparing for New Life emerge from time to time throughout these Advent devotionals, and I invite you explore and pray about your own calling.

We are all called to be disciples and servants of our Lord – how is your calling taking on new life right now?

I am grateful that so many laity of the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church once again responded to a call to share a message and meditation for the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

Many of those writing devotionals have answered their own personal calling to become Certified Lay Ministers, Certified Lay Speakers, or Certified Lay Servants, or are serving in ministry in a number of other ways. Whatever journey you are being called to, I pray you will respond with a resounding “YES!”

Thank you for walking with us throughout this Advent season. Please feel free to share this opportunity with others so that they might also have an opportunity to celebrate Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with us.

Wishing you a season of abundant blessings,
Kristi Wilkerson Conference Lay Leader