The last Sunday of an eventful year. Together we’ll resist the temptation to fill our conversations with cliches: Can you believe it? The year is almost over! Where did the time go?! See you next year! …
However, it’s normal and right that we pause to look back: where do we recognize God’s hand these past 12 months? How did we (and I) grow this year? These questions form the base for my thoughts and sermon for the morning.
And it’s normal and right that we pause to look ahead; a new year is about to dawn on us.
Jan Thomas will lead us into our look at the new year. Her focus is on “New.” As we read God’s story of his involvement with us — his creation — “making things new” is a nearly constant theme. Jan will invite us to see and seek God’s newness as we approach 2026.
sermon: The ‘Old’ Has Gone with Rev. David Donaldson, The ‘New’ is to Come with Jan Thomas
Turning the Page: Faith, Reflection, and Renewal at Year’s End
As another year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause and reflect—on what has passed, what we’ve learned, and what lies ahead. At Mimico Baptist, this season is more than a calendar milestone; it’s a spiritual checkpoint, a moment to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and anticipate the newness that His presence promises for the coming year.
Looking Back: Lessons from the Past
The year behind us was marked by change, challenge, and growth. For many, it was a time of loss and new beginnings, of wrestling with memories and embracing hope. The words of Isaiah remind us: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19). While we are called not to dwell in the past, it is important to review it with an eye toward transformation and renewal.
Throughout the year, our community engaged deeply with questions of identity and purpose. We revisited our DNA as a church—what it means to be Mimico Baptist, to serve and love in Christ’s name. Sermon series challenged us to examine our stewardship, our spiritual gifts, and our commitment to ministry in teams. We were reminded to “take what has been given to you and turn it into light,” using our talents and resources to serve others and shine in our communities.
Anticipation and Affirmation
A recurring theme this year was anticipation. We looked forward as we considered a potentially new way of organizing our leadership roles, new relationships being forged and new opportunities for service. For David (Donaldson), the transition from interim to full-time pastoral roles brought existential shifts—moments of affirmation that God is still with us, guiding and calling us to deeper commitment. Personal stories of change and affirmation echoed through our congregation.
Embracing the New: God’s Promises for the Future
As we turn the page to a new year, our focus shifts from resolutions to promises. Rather than dwelling on shortcomings, we look to what God has already declared for us—a new covenant, a new heart, a new spirit, and a new creation. The scriptures are rich with assurances of renewal:
- “I will make a new covenant… I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31,34)
- “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3)
- “I am making everything new.” (Revelation 21:3-5)
(Review the sermon to catch all the promises recalled together.)
These promises are not just for individuals but for our community and the world. Even as we acknowledge our shortcomings as stewards of the earth, we trust in God’s power to renew all things—a new heaven and a new earth, where sorrow and pain are no more.
Moving Forward Together
As we step into the new year, let us do so with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and hope for what is to come. May we live in the new covenant, embrace new mercies each morning, and look forward to the new name and new song that God has prepared for us. Let us continue to be a loving, hospitable, and caring community—turning what we have been given into light for others.
May God’s blessing be upon us all as we journey together into the future He has prepared.