January 1, 2023

Blessing to You Dear Friends of Rockwood,

I want to express my deep appreciation for the great participation in our annual Christmas Eve Service this year; it was truly one of the best that I remember, and I am grateful we could share it with so many on Facebook, considering the brutalness of the weather.

That plus our special service with the families of Alton Bible Church made December an outstanding way to end the year.

This past year was a particularly challenging year for me, with hip surgery, hernia surgery and covid. It is true that getting
older does not mean life is getting any easier; I often quip that for me the only thing that seems to be getting better is my forgetter. But I have to say that as I reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness; I feel rich with blessings, and you are a big part of those blessings. Phyllis and I want to thank you for your love and support.

2023 is a Golden Year for us in life’s journey. In March, Phyllis and I will celebrate fifty years of marriage and in the fall, we will have reached fifty years of ministry here with you at Rockwood. In our wildest dreams, we could not have imagined the countless blessings we have received in children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the multitude of brothers and sisters in Christ. All of you have
had a part in making our lives so blessed. And God is not finished, so let’s continue to support each other as we approach the time Christ’s appearing when we shall be like Him.

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God: and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:1-2)

It is my prayer that we will walk in the wisdom of our Lord and truly be seeking for new opportunities in outreach and ministry. In the first quarter of the year we will be finishing up the second half of our study in Zechariah on Sundays, using our Wednesday Zoom meeting to help us stay focused
on prayer, and studying the Disciplines Of A Godly Man in our Thursday Men Group. I would like to see us begin a monthly Ladies Study and increase the number of fellowship lunches following our morning services.

In addition, since we are overcoming Covid, we may also begin to renew an emphasis on developing Connect Opportunities. Increased fellowship with Alton Bible Church, potential meetings with Freddie Coile, and having Justin and Amy Culp share the new direction in ministry God has given
them stateside are a few of the discussions ongoing as we start the year.

We should also be praying that God would open a new door for ministry with our kids and grandkids.

I am encouraged with the new year before us and covet your prayers that I may be strengthened with might by His Spirit and demonstrate His wisdom and love in service for Him.

Serving You With Joy,

Pastor Charles “Pete” Patton    2425 Glencoe Rd, Wildwood, MO 63038