A resolution is truly a dream set as a goal.  Across the world the most popular resolutions were: health and fitness, career development, and sustained relationships.  In the spirit of reflection I decided to share with you my dream for us.  A dream that I believe is God's dream for us as a community.  Though I am no Martin Luther King Jr., I hope that this inspires you to take action and that it paints a picture of what could be for us as a church and as youth ministry.  For when this dream is lived out, I believe the world will be refreshed by the way they see Christians.  No longer will the see us as an exclusive group of judgmental, narrow- minded people.  But a people whose lives are magnetic by their love, by their hope, and by their authenticity.

I have a dream that one day this Kalamazoo County where 30,000 youth are known to not know Jesus, churches will be a place of popularity, and lives will be transformed by God’s grace.

I have a dream that one day on the corner of Broadway and Winchell, youth will flock. Because they do not feel judged by their piercing, their sagging pants, their color, or their parent’s pockets books.  But accepted and loved for being the child of God that they are.

I have a dream that youth and adults may share the road of following Jesus together.  That the youth may sharpen the adults with their questions and discoveries, and the adults may sharpen the youth with their wisdom and experience.

I have a dream that each time one walks through the front doors of this building they EXPECT to experience a caring, loving, and grace-filled community.  That this is a place where we celebrate in each others joys. Be it a high five for a great game, concert, or grade.  That this is a place where we  mourn in each others sorrows.  Be it handing a Kleenex to another, coming to a grandparents funeral, or sending a card of comfort. That this be a place to feel supported when life is just tough. Whether you just broke up with a girlfriend, your parents are fighting, or you are struggling to live under the same roof with your family.  That in this space you will be refreshed by those that listened and loved you.

I have a dream when one of us walks away, the rest of us will enfold.  That we may be the arms of God holding one another accountable for our actions and words.

I have a dream where fear is pushed aside and authenticity steps forth.  Where trust is built and doubts and fears are shared, and faith is grown.

I have dream that we may remember more than the crazy games we play, but the way we got to know Jesus because of the youth leaders who prayed for us, sent us notes of encouragement, and genuinely cared how we are doing.

I have a dream that when others look at our lives they may see real people… with real joys, real struggles, and real hope.  That others will see that our community's greatest source of pride is in our weaknesses.  As that is when the power of God is revealed in our lives

My dream, God’s dream is for us to stop pretending.  For us to move beyond the surface stuff… and to be a raw, real, genuine community.  Where our brokenness is not for shame but for God’s praise.  And if the church is to be a light in a dark world… this must become true.

So let us trust in God’s word that we are valuable to him. Let us stop pretending for others to look at us as more than we are. Let us admit our fears, hurts, hopes, and struggles. So that we may experience an authentic community that supports, encourages, upholds, and enfolds.  May 2007 be the year of living out this dream.