A New Year, Rooted in Covenant
Beloved in Christ,
As we turn the calendar to a new year, I find myself holding together two deep truths of our life as church. The first is gratitude—for the faithfulness of congregations, pastors, chaplains, and leaders across our Region who continue to show up, serve, and bear witness in both seen and unseen ways. The second is hope—that God is still at work among us, calling us forward into new expressions of ministry, deeper relationships, and renewed trust in one another.
January is often framed as a season of beginnings, but in the life of the church, beginnings are never disconnected from what has come before. We are a people shaped by memory, covenant, and shared story. The work we do now is built on the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and it is sustained by the commitments we continue to make to one another as the Body of Christ in this place.
As a Region, we are entering this year with important work before us. There are congregations discerning next steps in ministry, pastors navigating transitions, chaplains offering faithful presence in complex settings, and leaders carrying responsibilities that often stretch far beyond what is visible. In all of this, the Region exists not as an institution apart from you, but as a partner—walking alongside, listening carefully, and seeking to respond with care and integrity. This season is also a new beginning for me personally. As I continue settling into the role of Regional Minister, I am deeply grateful for the patience, grace, and generosity of spirit that so many of you have shown along the way. Transitions take time, and I am thankful for those who have offered encouragement, shared wisdom, and extended trust as we learn from one another and discern together how best to serve the church in this moment.
In the months ahead, my hope is that we continue strengthening our shared sense of covenant: covenant that calls us to mutual responsibility, honest communication, and grace with one another. Covenant that reminds us we do not do this work alone. Covenant that keeps us grounded even as we adapt to changing realities.
As we begin this new year together, I invite your prayers—for one another, for our congregations, and for the wisdom to perceive the new thing God is doing in our midst. May we move forward with confidence rooted in faith, and with trust that the Spirit is already at work ahead of us.
Finally, I want to offer my sincere thanks to all who were able to contribute to this year’s Christmas Offering, and to those who support the Region in so many faithful and varied ways throughout the year. Your generosity—of resources, time, leadership, and prayer—strengthens our shared ministry and makes possible the work we do together. I am grateful to serve alongside you.
Grace and peace to you in this new year,
Rev. Adam
Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon
Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia
This message appeared in the January 9, 2026 Regional Newsletter. If you missed it, read more in the Regional Newsletter Archives here. Or sign up to receive the monthly newsletter here.
