Before monarch butterflies can light up the world with their beauty and fanciful flight, they must undergo metamorphosis. Caterpillars form a chrysalis where they transform over a 10-to-14-day period. Even after the butterfly crawls out from the chrysalis, monarchs must hang upside down so their wings can expand and dry. Otherwise, they might be beautiful, but they will never fly.

2021-22 was a unique time for all of us; it was unlike any in the history of Clear Creek Community Church. Seasons of the church not gathering in person along with the cultural convulsions around politics, race, and masks landed us in a chrysalis of sorts.

Looking back at 2021 is a bit like looking at a monarch in a chrysalis. We were waiting to see what might emerge.

Truthfully, we are still in the middle of this process.

Will we emerge with beauty? Will we emerge with wings for spiritual flight?

By design, monarchs require the chrysalis to become awe-inspiring creatures. And the trials of the last two years might be instruments in the redeemer’s hands to make something beautiful of us, too.

In 2022, I want to urge you to come out of your pandemic chrysalis and take flight to share the love of God.

What will that mean practically?

First and foremost, it will mean we walk with Jesus together. Also, it will mean we engage in the mission of Jesus to share the love with our friends who have not tasted God’s amazing grace. My personal prayer is that God will revive our missional intensity as a church in 2022.

The stories in this report are intended to encourage you as we enter into a new year of ministry. You will read about people who emerged in 2021 to walk in community, to serve others, and to glorify God with their lives. Their stories can inspire us and guide us.

Before my last thought, I hope you will read the following passage slowly.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:2-4

In the past, we’ve said, “Don’t waste your hurricane.” Now, I think it’s appropriate to tell you, “Don’t waste your pandemic.”

Emerge.

It’s time to fly.