As we cross over the threshold into this New Year, the future may be unknown and uncertain to us, but we are not afraid. We have a confidence, knowing that the Lord is with us, guiding us down the path of life, just as he always has done with the faithful.

We need no cloudy pillar to lead us by day or one of fire to guide us by night (Exodus 13:21-22). Our Lord has given us his Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). His Truth will make us wise unto salvation and complete and perfect in every way (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2:15).

When Israel entered the new territory of the promised land, the Lord encouraged Joshua saying, “be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). The fearless leader in turn told Israel, “Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you” (Joshua 3:10).

No matter what this new year may bring; happiness or sadness, wealth or poverty, life or death, we can rest assured that the Lord has gone before us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:21). He made us (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17) and understands our frail nature. He knows exactly how we feel (Hebrews 4:12-15). As we face the coming days, we must always remember to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

As we look forward, let’s not forget to look back and remember the many faithful who have gone on before us. With the help of God they succeeded in reaching the end of their journey (Hebrews 12:1).

In a look back at 2003's hits and misses, we had:

Average Statistics Since Y2K
(Based on figures published in the bulletin)

Our elders are to be commended for keeping Orange Street active in the Lord’s Work in 2003. Among other things we:

• hosted a successful Marriage Seminar with Glenn and Cindy Colley;
• helped establish a growing Haitian congregation in Winter Haven;
• hosted a well attended Ladies’ Day;
• collected over $800 in change for the Mt. Dora Children’s Home campaign;
• had member participation in 2 successful Ghana Campaigns as well as additional financial support for several mission works in Ghana;
• conducted a successful Vacation Bible School;
hosted the area “Bible Bowl” and took 1st place in the intermediate class;
• had an excellent and well attended Gospel Meeting with speaker Brooks Boyd;
• and helped the Florida School of Preaching obtain some much needed electronic equipment and software to aid in their work.

Youth Devo Tonight
The monthly “Youth Devo” will be hosted tonight (Sunday), after evening services, at the home of Bob & Shirley Bauer. Our youth and their parents are invited to come meet around a campfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Bring your lawn chairs.

Pantry Items
The pantry is in need of Personal Hygiene Items such as bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc.. Help if you can.

FSOP Extension Class
Bob Bauer will be teaching the Epistle to the Romans beginning this Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 pm in the annex. The class may be taken for credit or may be audited. There is a $5 registration fee and all are welcome.