UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF THE PINES
  • About
    • Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Church of the Pines
    • Welcome
    • From the Pastor
    • Staff & Leadership >
      • Ministry Council
  • Worship
    • Worship Services
    • Connect Card
    • Worship Videos
  • Programs & Classes
    • Bible & Book Studies
  • Giving
    • Make a Gift
  • Mission Matters
    • Special Mission Focus - Organizations supported by Church of the Pines that work to eliminate food insecurity.
    • Mission Focus: Impact 2024
    • Lakeland Pantry Tour - February 3, 2025
  • Newsletter
  • Past Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Stephen Ministry
  • Prayer Requests
  • Church Calendar
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    • A Feast of Faith: The Story of Our Harvest Dinners at Church of the Pines
  • Church Directory
  • Event/Room Usage Form
  • Photos & Videos
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Christmas Eve 2024 Highlights
  • Faith & Reflection
    • Remembering Our Baptism
    • 12 New Year's Resolutions for 2026
  • Worship Videos
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​12 New Year's Resolutions for 2026 at Church of the Pines

As we begin a new year, many of us think about resolutions—ways we hope to grow, connect, and live with greater purpose.
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At Church of the Pines, we believe faith is something we live out together. For 2026, we invite you to consider these 12 simple, life-giving resolutions—one for each month—that can deepen your connection with God, strengthen relationships, and help you feel more at home in our church community.

You don't have to do them all. Start with one. Try another when you're ready. There's a place for you here.
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Resolutions for 2026
1. Worship regularly – Make space to gather, reflect, and be renewed.
2. Stay connected – Read the Weekly Update and follow Church of the Pines online.
3. Build friendships – Join a group, potluck, or fellowship gathering.
4. Serve with purpose – Use your gifts to help others.
5 Practice gratitude – Notice and name God's blessings each day.
6. Grow spiritually – Try a devotional, Bible study, or prayer practice.
7. Invite someone – Extend a personal invitation to worship or an event.
8. Care for others – Check in on someone who may need encouragement.
9. Give generously – Support the ministries that make a difference.
10. Learn our story – Discover the history and mission of Church of the Pines.
11. Reach beyond our walls – Be part of our community outreach and mission work.
12. Share your faith story – Let others know how God is at work in your life.

Throughout 2026, we'll highlight one resolution each week, sharing ideas, stories, and simple ways to put it into practice. Which one speaks to you today?

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The second Resolution for 2026 is to Stay Connected.
One of the simplest—and most meaningful—ways to grow in faith and community is to stay connected.


Why staying connected matters:
Connection helps us feel grounded, informed, and included. When we stay connected, we're reminded that we are part of something larger than ourselves—a faith community that supports, encourages, and walks alongside one another through every season of life. Staying connected helps us know where God is at work and how we can be part of it.

At Church of the Pines, there are many ways to stay connected—whether you attend worship every week or join us when you're able:
• Reading the Weekly Update to stay informed about worship, events, and ministry opportunities
• Following Church of the Pines on Facebook for inspiration, photos, and reminders
• Watching worship online when you can't attend in person
• Reading the Pine Chips newsletter
• Participating in emails, announcements, and special updates
Staying connected helps ensure you don't miss opportunities to worship, serve, grow, and connect with others.

How staying connected shapes our lives:
When we stay connected, faith becomes part of our everyday lives—not just something we experience on Sunday mornings. We're encouraged by stories of generosity, reminded of upcoming gatherings, and invited to respond to needs in our community. Staying connected keeps us be engaged, informed, and spiritually nourished throughout the week.

As you think about the week ahead, ask yourself:
How might staying more connected help me feel more engaged, encouraged, and involved in my church community?

We invite you to make staying connected one of your resolutions for 2026.
• Read the Weekly Update
• Follow Church of the Pines online
• Share posts you find meaningful
• Reach out when you have questions or ideas
Every connection—big or small—helps strengthen our church community.
There's a place for you here.

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Resolution #1 for 2026: Worship Regularly
As we begin a new year, our first resolution invites us back to the heart of our faith: gathering in worship.


Why worship matters
Worship is more than something we attend—it's a rhythm that shapes our lives. When we gather to worship, we pause from the noise and busyness of the week and intentionally place ourselves in God's presence. Through scripture, prayer, music, and reflection, we are reminded who we are, whose we are, and how deeply we are loved. Worship centers us, renews our hope, and helps us begin again.

What worship looks like at Church of the Pines
At Church of the Pines, worship is welcoming, meaningful, and rooted in grace. We gather as a community—longtime members, guests, families, friends, and neighbors—each bringing our stories and our questions. Worship includes thoughtful preaching, heartfelt music, prayer, scripture, and moments of quiet reflection. Whether you come every week or are returning after some time away, you are always welcome here.

How worship shapes our lives
Regular worship grounds us in faith and strengthens us for daily life. It reminds us that we do not walk alone. Over time, worship shapes how we love, serve, forgive, and hope. It gives us language for gratitude in joyful seasons and comfort in difficult ones. Worship helps us carry God's presence with us into our homes, workplaces, and community.
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As you begin this new year, ask yourself:
How might making space for worship shape my life, my relationships, and my sense of purpose in 2026?
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Join us this Sunday
We invite you to make worship part of your rhythm this year. Join us this Sunday at Church of the Pines as we gather to pray, sing, listen, and grow together. Come as you are—there is a place for you here.
  • About
    • Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Church of the Pines
    • Welcome
    • From the Pastor
    • Staff & Leadership >
      • Ministry Council
  • Worship
    • Worship Services
    • Connect Card
    • Worship Videos
  • Programs & Classes
    • Bible & Book Studies
  • Giving
    • Make a Gift
  • Mission Matters
    • Special Mission Focus - Organizations supported by Church of the Pines that work to eliminate food insecurity.
    • Mission Focus: Impact 2024
    • Lakeland Pantry Tour - February 3, 2025
  • Newsletter
  • Past Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Stephen Ministry
  • Prayer Requests
  • Church Calendar
  • Altar Flowers
  • Special Church Events
    • A Feast of Faith: The Story of Our Harvest Dinners at Church of the Pines
  • Church Directory
  • Event/Room Usage Form
  • Photos & Videos
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Christmas Eve 2024 Highlights
  • Faith & Reflection
    • Remembering Our Baptism
    • 12 New Year's Resolutions for 2026
  • Worship Videos