It’s the start of a new year. Some people make resolutions. I’m not that type of guy.

However, 2012 could be an interesting year.

Here are the things I’m looking forward to, in no particular order.

Cruxifusion – I am on the board of this fantastic new organization committed to lifting up Jesus Christ in the church as our focus and our head. We are planning on a new digital publication, a conference, and whatever else we feel the Lord is calling us to do. I have met some absolutely wonderful people through this and look forward to getting to know them more and working with them.

My Little Church – I love the church I serve. We’ve done a lot in the last two years and I look forward to seeing what happens this year. We are blessed with a great family atmosphere where all who walk through the doors are warmly welcomed and a wonderful base of dedicated volunteers. I wonder what 2012 will bring for us? I know 2011 was a pretty good year.

Wider Church Life – I can’t share too much about this at this moment, but soon will. If you live in my area, and are aware of the United Church at all, you know that things are going to have to change. We have too many churches, not enough clergy, not enough people in the pews, not enough money, old buildings, something has to give. 2012 could mark the start of some significant changes (long term, it is the church after all, it can’t happen fast) to the way we do church in this part of the world. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a wild ride.

Family – We continue to grow together. If you have a family, little more needs to be said. I look forward to what 2012 holds for our family. We have no specific plans for ourselves, just waiting to see what the year has in store for us.

The Community – I will continue to engage in the community and politicians in any way I can to help turn around the negativity we experience in this area. Politicians are increasingly frustrated and negative, in particular our mayor. The word from young university graduates are that they really want to stay here and work, but there is nothing here for them. I want to help them engage with the business community and politicians so their voices are heard. They have great ideas and passion, things this area needs desperately. To lose them would be a tragedy.