Onward As One

As we enter into a new year we also enter into a new term for some of our elected officials. In November of 2023, among a variety of offices, we had our local mayoral elections. Campaign seasons can get quite interesting and have a fascinating way of bringing the best, and worst, out of people. All said and done, we must remember that we are the UNITED States of America, that we are on the same team, and that we are to dwell together in unity. I would like to take this opportunity to ask our communities to come together and pray for, encourage, and support our city officials and mayors. More pointedly, as we are called in Scripture to pray for those who are in authority, (1 Timothy 2:1-3) I would like to call the residents of Star and Middleton to commit this year to daily praying for their mayor and city officials. Commit a few minutes each day, set an alarm on your phone if you have to, but pray, pray, pray!

The Bible teaches that a house divided against itself cannot stand. (Matthew 12:25) If we apply that unchanging truth to the communities we live in, we must intentionally cultivate neighborly care and brotherly love within our cities, or, accept the slow decay of all that we love. For the city of Star and your re-elected mayor, Trevor Chadwick, may the vision and momentum for the city be upheld and lived out. For the city of Middleton and your newly elected mayor, Jackie Hutchison, may a new relationship form that is unbreakable and unified.

While mayors fill a very important role in our cities, helping to preserve and guide, it is the community that makes the community. Our elected officials have an opportunity to bring unity and vision but it is the residents of our city, you and I, that have a responsibility to do the very same. May we never forget that in the U.S., our governing body is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The ultimate responsibility belongs to the residents of our community… know and help your neighbors, keep our city clean, pray for those in the local government, make simple but real gestures of support for our educators and school administrators, and send encouragement to the city council, fire, and police.

On behalf of the residents of your city, I would like to send a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to Mayor Chadwick of Star and to Mayor Hutchison of Middleton! We are praying for you and here to help build the community and preserve our wonderful city for generations to come!