"United By Hope"

Have you ever felt the post-Christmas slump, when the decorations come down and reality sets in? Pastor Gary challenges this mindset, offering a powerful perspective on moving from celebration to transformation. Drawing from Philippians 3, he unveils how the birth of Jesus wasn't just a moment in time, but a launching pad for ongoing hope. Through personal reflection and biblical wisdom, Pastor Gary outlines a practical roadmap for entering 2026 with renewed purpose. He emphasizes the critical need to "release what's behind to grab what's ahead," providing actionable steps like defining January wins, choosing specific growth areas, and anchoring hope in Christ himself. Rather than drifting into another year, he calls for intentional reflection with honesty, refocusing with clarity, and revitalizing with hope. Most powerfully, Pastor Gary reminds us that the God who showed up in a manger 2,000 years ago still shows up in our Monday mornings today. He challenges the congregation to move beyond mere resolutions to true transformation, urging everyone at City United to break through in 2026 by keeping their eyes fixed straight ahead and trusting in God's ongoing work in their lives.