Dear Beloved, Second Missionary Baptist Church,
Grace and peace be multiplied to you. As we enter 2026, the Lord has given us a theme that meets us right where we are: “The Year to Stretch.” Isaiah 52:2 reminds us to shake off the dust, rise up, and break free from anything that tries to hold us back.
This year, God is calling us to grow—step by step, day by day. To stretch our faith a little farther. To stretch our love a little wider. To stretch our commitment a little deeper. To stretch our expectations a little higher. Not out of pressure, but out of promise. Not because we have to, but because God is preparing something greater for us.
As we stretch, He will strengthen us. As we trust, He will lead us. As we move, He will meet us. I’m grateful for every one of you and the heart you bring to this ministry.
Let’s stretch together and watch God do extraordinary things.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Rev. Dr. Larry E. Jones
Pastor/Teacher
📘 2026 Vision Plan: “THE YEAR TO STRETCH”
Inspired by Isaiah 52:2 (NIV):
“Shake off your dust; rise up… Free yourself from the chains on your neck.”
- Vision Statement
2026 is the year SMBC embraces divine expansion. We stretch our faith, our service, our unity, our imagination, and our impact—trusting that as we stretch, God strengthens; as we reach, God reveals; and as we move, God makes a way.
This is not a year of stress—this is a year of spiritual flexibility, holy boldness, and God-given growth.
1. Spiritual Stretching
To deepen our faith, prayer life, biblical engagement, and personal holiness.
2. Ministry Stretching
To expand how we serve, how we lead, and how we support one another
3. Community Stretching
To widen our reach and deepen our presence in Junction City and surrounding areas.
III. Theme Scripture Breakdown
Isaiah 52:2 — “Shake off your dust; rise up… Free yourself from the chains on your neck.”
1. “Shake Off Your Dust” — Release
- Let go of discouragement
- Release unhealthy patterns
- Refuse to settle for stagnation
2. “Rise Up” — Renewal
- Stand in new strength
- Reclaim spiritual authority
- Wake up your gifts, callings, and creativity
3. “Free Yourself” — Restoration
- Break chains of fear, limitation, and complacency
- Walk in liberation
- Step boldly into purpose
4. “Stretch” — Reinvention
- Expand capacity
- Expect the impossible
- Grow beyond comfort zones
