The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-12-30
A PASTORAL LETTER
From Rev. j. Il. Ley to the Members
and Friends of the Methodist
Church

III tHE Sooa "a
God and by appointment of Bishop
Hoss / am 10 be your fellow laborer
in the bonds Of Jesus Christ for an
other year
By combining our efforts and en-
Iergfes we were enabled to make a
notable report for last year st our re-
cent conference session. Nearly ten
thousand dollars were expended. more
THAN half Of which went into build
ings. furnishings, repairs and out
Istanding obligations. We added near
E1y 140 names to our enrolment, giving
us net increase Of one hundred and
ieleven.
We begin the new year under most
favorable auspices. Our church is
united. well differed and organized.
The incoming year should be one OF
even greater growth and prosperity.
1t may be, and will be, If we so ordafn.
To this end, we must not for moment
rest upon past achievements. We look
backwards only to take courage. We
have large plans for the future. These
involve many measures Of vital in
terest.
l. We must execute larger benevol-
ences. The watchword of the whole
church is Forward" We must catch
step Never was world wide evange-
lism more insistent than now. Never
was effort more richly rewarded. nor
did investment bring larger returns.
Our church's contributions last year
TO state. local and foreign missions
church extension and Christian educa
tionaI work, reached a splendid total
of 1880.
2. We must aim at local material
progress. Already Ocala aspires to
be counted among the strongest
, churches in the state. Another move
, upward equal 10 that made last year,
, will put us abreast Of Jacksonville,
Orlando. Tallahassee and Hyde Park.
Equalling the best in our pastors
home, we shall soon meet them in other
, regards. Already we are planning a
modern Sunday school room. Funds
, are being gathered thereto, and with
, the elimination Of a few minor obli-
. cations we will be ready to make
> strenuous advances in providing the
: present supreme necessity.
3. But the church is a business in
, stitution only incidentally. The main
, purpose of our existence is to develop
Christian character, and win souls to
the kingdom and service of Jesus
Christ. To accomplish these results
must be our chief aim. And with this
end In view must begin the new
year as close students of the word OF
God, and with full commitment to the
leadings of his Holy Spirit. Panoplied
from Heaven. and baptized for service
We dare not fix a limit Of possibilities
to our spiritual growth, and to the in
crease in our membership.
i 4. Finally. None of us know what
e the new year holds of bane or bles
sing. Storms may now be brewing
that shall sweep our path. Clouds
may now be gathering that shall
break upon us. filing our hearts will
leaden sorrows and human disappoint
ments. Death may be bounding ou1
steps, even now, in this gray dawn o.
g the new year. What then?
, with his loving hand to guide,
- Let the clouds above roll,
And the pillows in their fury dasf
around us;
We can brave the widest storms witt
his glory in our souls,
We can sing amid the tempest,
Praise the Lord
Is And while we walk with him, il
Is newness of life, we can be conscious
of His presence and sustaining hand
and repeat with genuine truth and
courage:
- "Il1 that He blesses is our good,
:, And unblessed good is i'll;
And all is right that seems most wrons
If it be His sweet will"
Dear Friends: I come to you will
e no new gifts or graces. but with con
o Stunning desire to serve you. When
can advise with you, seek me; whel
I can help you, command me. and be
leve me yours wholly and constant,
E in the bonds Of Christian service ant
Fellowship. John B. Ley, Pastor
e, Jan. 1st, 1912.