All Things New

2025 -2026 Theme

Revelation 21:5

All Things New

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.”

2025 - 2026 Ministry Year

Introducing the Theme

No more tears, wailing, or mourning. No more death. That sounds pretty good.

Then Jesus goes on: “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).

If we’re honest, that word all probably trips up those of us fixated on control (i.e., most all of us). If Jesus wants to take away sadness, grief, and death, we’re good with that. But he doesn’t stop there. He wants to make all things new. Not a few things. Not some things. Not even most things, but all things.

That means our identity, relationships, family, home life, work life, dreams, and plans. You get the picture. All of it.

And, on top of that, he’s the one who is going to make all things new. Not us. We’re not in control. We might not get to make this look the way we want it.

Letting Christ make us new means being reclaimed by him, becoming like him. It means having self-centeredness and small-mindedness blown wide open and expanded boundlessly. Ultimately, it means surrendering to the God who loves us beyond measure.

a thematic thread

Why a Theme?

At Stella Maris, we are implementing a theme for the ministry year (2025–2026). The theme will serve as a thematic thread running through our programming this year and bring to life our mission of encountering Jesus and helping others do the same. It aims to be memorable and inspiring, and a source of a kind of enduring Lectio Divina throughout the year.

Pray with us

All Things New Prayer

Jesus, you said, “I make all things new,” and I believe you.

Please make new: [name specific areas of life, relationships, situations that have become troubled or lifeless].

I trust you and I surrender all of this to you. Thank you for listening to me, loving me, and making me new according to your perfect design. Amen.

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