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Frankly Speaking – End of the Year Message (December 29, 2025)

Romans 12:3–8 reminds us that we are many members, yet one body in Christ, each gifted by God’s grace and called to serve faithfully. 

Great folks, as we come to the end of 2025, much has happened in the life of our church. Many have joined our fellowship. Some have joined the Church Triumphant. Others remain on the periphery of church membership. What matters most is this: together, we make up the body of Christ.

It is truly remarkable how different we are—our backgrounds, education, life experiences, and the places we have traveled. All of this forms a unique blend of gifts and blessings that strengthen our church and enrich our shared ministry. I know that 2026 will bring change. Every year does. Yet we face what lies ahead head-on, with courage, faith, hope, and love. God, through Christ, has brought this church this far—and Christ is far from finished with us. We are still called to be faithful, still called to serve, still called to live out the Gospel together. I once had a seminary professor, Dick Murray, who said, “The greatest gift I can give you is the difference between us.” Because of our differences, we are stronger, more resilient, and better able to encourage one another to remain faithful in our calling. 

When we first arrived, the front doors might well have been chained and locked. But God had other plans. The church had other plans. Today, we are stronger—not only because of what we have endured, but because of who we are and whose we are. We belong to God.

May this new year bring both greater challenges and greater opportunities as we continue in our calling and ministries. As David said to his son Solomon: “Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.”— 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NRSV)

Have a blessed and joyful New Year in the Lord.

Grace and peace from Pottsboro,
Pastor Frank Alegría
alegria@lakewayumc.org