Well this will be my last “Steve’s Story” for the year 2020. Fifty two times this year I have sat at my computer and composed some thoughts to create a “Steve’s Story.” Some I thought were very creative and am proud to claim. Others were ok–or maybe the best I could do under the time pressure of meeting the newsletter deadline.

Sitting here at my Zach Henderson hand me down desk in my home office I have been reflecting on the past year. Some of what has happened in 2020 has been very creative and I am proud to claim–some, I would do differently if I had it all to do over.

I have lost 25 pounds and dropped a shirt and pant size. That was a 2020 goal that I accomplished. Of course, I have gain a little bit back over the holidays, but I still weigh way less than I did at the beginning of 2020. I hope to be as successful in 2021 in the area of weight loss.

Covid-19 created a big bump of uncertainty. Early in the year we made the decision to follow the advice of the medical professionals and stop gathering in person for worship. This was an uncertain time, but we decided to err’ on the side of safety for all. It was a difficult but good decision.

It was an equally difficult decision to begin face to face worship again with those who felt safe and secure enough to do so. I am proud that our worship at North River has continued uninterrupted to the present. I am so proud of North River and the faithfulness of our worship leadership, our generous stewards, and those who have continued to minister in spite of it all.

During this difficult time we have been able to make some needed improvements in our worship center, youth building and children’s building. We will continue with these projects until we are able to put Covid-19 behind us. We are preparing for the future–2021 looks bright and the opportunities are great.

I guess my purpose for this last “Steve’s Story” of 2020 is that in spite of it all, it has been a really good year. Difficult….yes, Devastating……no. We have made some really good decisions, and a few we regret……but such is life. We must go on and press on “…toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

See you in 2021!!!

This is my story…