Some of you know how much I love words. I can trace that back to a freshman composition teacher named Stanley Lombardo. I have mentioned him in a sermon since I came here. He influenced me greatly teaching our class that words are the most powerful weapon or gift, depending on how they are used, that we have at our disposal. I mostly agree with that. Words can make you feel downright downtrodden or out of sight outstanding.

I ran across these words written by a 20^th century Italian spiritualist as I was reading the other day. His name is Carlo Caretto. He was writing about the subtle difference between living life optimistically or living life hopefully. I had never thought much about how the words differ. Maybe we?re guilty of simply interchanging them. Carretto warns against such use. His argument is theological. Perhaps it makes some sense. He wrote, " Optimism means faith in humankind, in their human potential; hope means faith in God and in God?s omnipotence. " That?s quite a difference.

I bring this to your attention because we have begun a new year and like most new years, or new anythings, for that matter, we inhale and exhale with great optimism for a while. We see what we want to accomplish and run headlong toward that goal. Often, our optimism causes us to run with great passion but without a lot of purpose. High expectations and grand plans often fall by the wayside. Which, I suppose, is where hope steps in.

So, here are some things about which I am no longer merely optimistic: the work that will be done by our new Director of Music, Jeannie Bubbett; the person who will become our Director of Christian Education; the continued vision of the congregation as we move deeper into touching our future; and, the effective increase of our congregation?s impact on our community. I am no longer merely optimistic because much more than human potential is required for success and effective ministry by these people and through this congregation.

But, I am full of hope about every one of them! Another well known spiritualist wrote about hope. His name was Paul. You can read Romans chapter five for yourself ? there you?ll find that when we rely utterly upon God?s grace and not at all upon ourselves ? hope springs eternal! And, hope never disappoints us because hope is covered in the love of God and given as a gift of God?s Spirit.

Happy, Hopeful New Year!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mark