From The Pastor's Pen

The Season of Advent

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:45:48 GMT

The season of Advent is upon us. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenire —“to come.” Something is coming.

If you remember West Side Story , Tony sings with anticipation: “ Something’s coming, don’t know when, but it’s soon… ” That longing captures the spirit of Advent—expectation mixed with impatience, hope mingled with restlessness.

Waiting is not something we do well. We live in a culture of immediacy: instant downloads, next‑day shipping, quick fixes. Yet the church dares to begin its year not with celebration, but with anticipation.

Scripture speaks into this waiting:

Isaiah envisions peace among nations.

Paul urges us to wake from sleep.

Matthew warns us to be ready.

But here’s the challenge: we don’t like waiting, and we don’t like preparing for what we cannot control. When life feels heavy, “just wait” sounds hollow. We grasp for relief, numb ourselves with distractions, chase shortcuts, and settle for substitutes. Paul’s words sting: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.”

Advent confronts our tendency toward impatience and instant gratification. It calls us instead to patient hope. When we rely on numbing agents or distractions, we mask the deeper struggles—powerlessness, despair, the life that should have been. Yet into this restless longing Paul reminds us: “Salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near.”

Something’s coming. Peace is not a fantasy—it is God’s promise. And we are witnesses that this promise has already begun. The Christ child is the sign, the beginning of fulfillment. God’s peace arrives not through force or immediacy, but through vulnerability, incarnation, and love made flesh.

This is the joy of Advent: we are not waiting in vain. The candles we light are not mere symbols but declarations of hope. Each flame whispers: “Something’s coming.” In Christ, God has already begun the work of peace.

The manger leads to the cross, and the cross to resurrection. We live in the “already and not yet”—already redeemed, not yet fully restored. That is good news worth celebrating.

So how do we prepare? Not by grasping at quick fixes, but by embodying Christ’s light and love in daily life. Advent is not passive waiting—it is active hope. Like preparing for a child’s birth or readying a home for guests, the anticipation itself shapes our welcome.

Friends, let us live as people who trust the promise: The night is far gone. The day is near. Come, Lord Jesus.

With faith and anticipation,

Pastor Russ

Romans 12

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:46:42 GMT

Dear Saints of God,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

After a season of deep prayer, reflection, and discernment, I write to share that I will be concluding my pastoral ministry with you on January 31, 2026. I believe I have fulfilled the ministry to which God called me in this place, and I now feel a gentle but persistent pull toward new settings where I may continue to serve and grow in faith.

This decision has not come lightly. It is rooted in a sense of completion and trust that the Spirit continues to guide both me and this congregation toward new horizons. I am grateful beyond words for the sacred journey we have shared—the joys, the challenges, the transformations, and the grace that has met us in every season.

As with any relationship, we have experienced moments of misstep and misunderstanding. These are not signs of failure, but of humanity. They remind us that covenantal life is not about perfection, but about perseverance, forgiveness, and love. Change, too, often brings resistance—not because we lack faith, but because we care deeply. I honor that resistance and invite us all to hold it gently, as part of the sacred work of transition.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:10–12:

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

These words speak to the heart of covenantal living—resilient, loving, and rooted in God’s enduring presence.

In the coming weeks, I will work with leadership to ensure a thoughtful and faithful transition. I also invite you to a meeting on Nov 19, 2025 at 6:00 pm where we can gather to reflect, share, and bless one another as we prepare for what comes next.

With deep affection and abiding hope,

Pastor Russ

Reimagining How We Serve

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:39:51 GMT

Dear Saints of God,

As we stand at the threshold of change, I want to acknowledge what many of us feel but may hesitate to say aloud: change is uncomfortable. It stirs up uncertainty, challenges our routines, and often brings with it a quiet anxiety that whispers, "I want things to be just as they were" and “What if I’m not ready?” These feelings are not signs of weakness—they are signs of growth. They remind us that we are stepping into something new, something sacred, something that requires courage.

In this season, we are being called to reimagine how we serve, how we lead, and how we love. The goal is not simply to do more, but to do what matters most. We are seeking the intersection of our passion, our skills, and our energy—where our God-given gifts meet the real needs of our church and our wider community. This is not a solo journey. It is a collective movement, one that asks each of us to listen deeply to the Spirit and to one another.

Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, knew the weight of change. Before His ascension, He promised us the Holy Spirit—not as a distant force, but as a present guide, a comforter, and a source of divine assurance. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). We are not navigating this transition alone. The Spirit walks with us, nudging us forward, whispering peace into our fears, and illuminating the path when it feels unclear.

Let us not be paralyzed by the discomfort of change but propelled by the hope it carries. Let us trust that God is already at work in the spaces we are being called to enter. And let us remember that transformation—both personal and communal—rarely feels easy, but it always bears fruit.

Starting Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00 PM, and for five consecutive Wednesdays, we will gather in Fellowship Hall to discuss Paul Nixon's I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church . The title is intentionally provocative with the goal of stirring conversation. Many have read the book; some are excited, and some are anxious. I encourage all who can, join as many discussions as you are able. Lean into the discomfort. Embrace the questions. And above all, listen for the Spirit’s voice.

Together, we will discover new ways to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love.

With faith and anticipation,

Pastor Russ

Seasons

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 20:08:09 GMT

Seasons

Dear Saints of God,

Life moves in seasons. From the slowed down summer to the hustle and bustle of September, from childhood through youth into adulthood and beyond, all things have seasons. Our church has seasons as well, seasons of growth, and seasons of decline, seasons of sorrow, seasons of joy, and seasons of renewal.

Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Our second year together will be a season of reflection, revisioning and rebirth. We will take stock of where we are, where we see ourselves going, and where we feel God is calling us. We will find our passions that motivate us, our skills that strengthen us, and our spiritual gifts that enegize us. We will explore our church and community’s needs while discerning God’s direction for us and our church's mission.

The importance of this season of self-reflection, collaboration, and discernment

cannot be overstated. Nor can the opportunity we have before us. Nor can having faith that God has plans for us. Keep an eye out for announcements of events in the coming weeks and please join us for every opportunity.

With God's guidance, we will move together in this season of growth and renewal.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Russ

Strength & Healing

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:35:22 GMT

Finding Strength and Healing Amid Change

A Message of Hope and Renewal for Our Church Family

Dear Saints of God,

As we journey together through the ever-changing seasons of life, we are reminded that change, while often

challenging, can also be a beautiful invitation to grow, adapt, and trust more deeply in God’s abiding presence. This month, let us reflect upon resilience, our ability to stand firm in faith even as the world around us

shifts, and our sacred mission to be agents of healing and hope.

In scripture, we find countless examples of resilience. From Abraham setting out into the unknown, to Ruth

forging a new life in a foreign land, to Paul’s steadfastness despite trials and hardships, the Bible resounds

with stories of those who faced change with courage. Their resilience was not rooted in their own strength

alone, but in their trust that God was with them, guiding their path and renewing their spirits.

We, too, are called to this holy resilience. Recent months have brought changes—both joyful and difficult—

to our congregation. We celebrated weddings, births, baptisms, and have witnessed the spirit of volunteerism

growing. And, we have grieved the struggles afoot as our ministries transform. In the coming months, we will

welcome new faces into new roles and gain new perspectives as we face the growing pains that come along

with it. Through all these changes, it is our faith in God, our trust in Christ, our openness to the Holy Spirit,

and our commitment to one another that carry us forward.

Let us remember that resilience does not mean we never feel sorrow or uncertainty. Rather, it means we accept that life can be difficult and that we can still find strength in community and through prayer. Christ himself promised, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We can take comfort in that we do not face changes alone.

In these times of transition, we have a new mission: A mission of healing. Let us reach out to those who are

hurting; let us offer a listening ear, a warm meal, or a word of encouragement. Together, we can build a sanctuary of hope—one where broken hearts are mended and weary souls find rest.

As we embrace the winds of change, may we plant our roots deep in God’s love and extend our branches outward in compassion and service. Through our resilience and sanctuary of healing, we reflect the light of

Christ to our world. That is our mission and that is God's delight in us.

With peace and blessings,

Rev. Russ Goliger

Pentacost

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 01:47:46 GMT

Pentacost

Dear Saints of God,

Pentecost is upon us. We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the institution of the Body of Christ, the Church here on Earth. For me, it begs the question: Where is the Holy Spirit moving us as a congregation?

Since my arrival, I have heard repeating motifs. “We need more members”, “We need more money”, “We need to attract younger people.” Each statement is spoken with deep conviction, an air of anxiety, and more than a hint of exhaustion. The underlying fear is that of survival. Will we survive as a congregation? I want to assure you: we are not alone in our fear. These motifs exist across the landscape of religious institutions in general. So how do we grow?

The current Pew Resear ch Religious Landscape Study ind icates that among Protestants, the groups that have seen an increase in membership include Nondenominational Protestant, Pentecostal, and Nonspecific Protestant. It leads to several questions:

What is it that attracts people to these denominations?
Where do we as a congregation intersect with the characteristics of these denominations?
What gifts do we have and what do we offer that is unique that serves God’s mission?
How do we organize and get re-energized?
Where do we focus our energy?

I want to tackle the first question here; we will, as a congregation, address the remaining questions in workshops starting in the fall.

Consider the following: Nondenominational churches often attract people because they emphasize personal faith over institutional traditions. Here are some key characteristics that draw people in:

Biblical Focus – Many nondenominational churches prioritize the Bible as their sole authority, rather than adhering to denominational doctrines.
Flexibility in Worship – They often have modern, informal worship styles, making services feel more accessible and engaging.
Community-Oriented – Many focus on tight-knit, welcoming communities, making them appealing to those seeking a personal connection in their faith journey.

As a congregation, we can learn from these denominations while discovering our unique God-given gifts and purpose in the Body of Christ. But to do so takes time, prayer, collaboration, commit ment, vulnerability, courage, and trust in God’s leading.

All of this takes energy.

As we enter into the long days of summer, I encourage you to rest. Listen to the Holy Spirit and feel her movement in your life. Take time to pray, surround yourself in the glory of nature and the warmth of God’s love through creation itself, let the Holy Spirit carry you to new possibilities like a pleasant ocean wave. As you rest, become mindful of the tug of your heart. Pay attention to daydreams that leave you energized, curious, inspired. There you will find the Holy Spirit revealing to you the passions you can share to help grow God’s Church.

Come, Holy Spirit! Come!

Easter People

Thu, 01 May 2025 02:13:59 GMT

We are an “Easter People!”

Being an "Easter People" means that we emphasize the transformative power of Jesus Christ's resurrection. It means living with hope, joy, and a sense of mission inspired by the resurrection. As St. Augustine famously said, "We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song," highlighting the call to live in the light of Christ's victory over death.

To be an “Easter people” is to embody the values of faith, hope, and love in daily life. It means imitating Jesus in actions, thoughts, and words, and embracing the mission to bring healing, justice, and compassion to the world. The resurrection is not just a promise of life after death but a call to live fully and abundantly in communion with God, our neighbors, our enemies, and God’s creation here and now.

But what does living as an Easter People mean in our daily lives? The Belhar Confession is a Christian statement of faith that originated in South Africa during the struggle against apartheid. It was adopted by the Dutch Reform Church and served as the religious foundation to resist the perpetrators of oppression and violence. It asserts that we are unified under Christ and “that this unity of the people of God must be manifested and be active in a variety of ways:”

in that we love one another; that we experience, practice and pursue community with one another; that we are obligated to give ourselves willingly and joyfully to be of benefit and blessing to one another; that we share one faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one name, are obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope; together come to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ; together are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; together know and bear one another’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and upbuild one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness; pray together; together serve God in this world; and together fight against all which may threaten or hinder this unity (Phil. 2:1-5; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; John 13:1-17; 1 Cor. 1:10-13; Eph. 4:1-6; Eph. 3:14-20; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Gal. 6:2; 2 Cor. 1:3-4)

As we continue our journey together, may we live as Easter People, united and freed by Christ’s resurrection promise. May we find ways to imitate Christ, offering healing, love and compassion to the world and resisting evil in all its manifestations, all for the glory of God.

Rev. Russ Goliger

Easter

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:57:52 GMT

We are in a season of transformation.

Dear Saints of God,

We are in a season of transformation. Remember those brutally cold arctic temperatures? Well, the earth is once again being transformed. Water and sunlight nourish the plants. We see the crocuses pushing their way through the once frozen ground. Tulips and Easter lilies prepare to bloom, announcing God’s glorious creation. Hope and joy fill our hearts as we await the first fruits of our sprouting seedlings. The warmth of the sun streaming through the windows, the lengthening of the days, the sweetness that fills the air all reveal God’s great love for us through creation. Though predictable, it nonetheless touches us deeply and reminds us of the beauty in this gift of love.

What was not predictable, nor even imaginable, was God’s greatest gift to us. The promise of an alternate reality where death does not have the final say; God’s love, justice, and mercy does. We proclaim this alternate reality present and available when we celebrate our resurrection story. A story made even more poignant during Holy Week when we witness injustice, political violence, and betrayal. It is a story that repeats itself all too often. We witness it throughout history, in an unending cycle of intolerance, bigotry, ignorance, misinformation, and power plays.

God gifts us a way of stepping out of the unending cycle. Throughout Lent, we dig deep in unflinching courage seeking to uncover our part in the unending cycle. We do so, knowing that our God yearns for us to stand in our truth and promises mercy and forgiveness through Christ. As we name and repent of those thoughts, words, and deeds, we carry our cross and walk alongside Jesus. Jesus willingly, lovingly takes our cross from us, liberates and guides us to a better way. Christ’s resurrection transforms and transcends our limits and offers a way from the darkness of our past into a new and blessed life. This is God’s off ramp to the endless cycle.

This, the Church proclaims on Easter morning. In him, we are saved from death to new life, for life eternal with our infinitely just, merciful, and loving Creator. This is the Good News, that through Christ we live again. Therefore, let us shout for joy, Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Blessings,

Rev. Russ Goliger

The Season of Lent

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 14:26:18 GMT

Dear Saints of God,

We are entering the Season of Lent, a time when we walk with Jesus toward the cross. Lent is a season of introspection and making space in our lives to sit with God. Some Christians choose the spiritual practice of fasting, willingly sharing in solidarity with Jesus' suffering. Others may avoid eating meat on Fridays or give up unhealthy habits in favor of healthier ones. Some may engage in charitable activities or set aside time each day to pray or read something inspirational. Some may take this time to do what twelve-step programs call a "Fearless Moral Inventory."

Whatever spiritual practice we choose, the importance of interrupting our daily routines and making room to discover who we are at a deeper level cannot be underestimated. These practices help us to see not who we imagine ourselves to be, but who we truly are and who God sees us to be. We use this time to measure our thoughts, words, and deeds against those of the One who had no sin. We find the courage to acknowledge when we, like all of humanity, fall short of God’s desire for our lives. We recognize when we have not loved God “with all our heart, mind, and strength,” when we have failed to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” and when we have not loved ourselves and each other “as God loves us.” We use this time to plead with God as the Psalmist pled, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)

It all starts on Ash Wednesday, a day when many Christian traditions, including ours, distribute ashes to those who wish to receive them. It is an especially profound spiritual practice because when we receive ashes, we confront our own mortality; we acknowledge that we too will return to the dust from whence we came. When we receive the ashes, we are invited to “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel,” believing that death does not have the final word and that God breathes new life into the ashes of our lives, as the hymn says, “If you but trust in God to guide you.” It is in this trust that we find new hope, believing that through Christ, God makes all things new.

May your Lenten journey be poignant and filled with courage as we walk with Jesus and witness for ourselves God’s unsearchable love.

by Rev. Russ Goliger

Blessed Are the Merciful

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 14:21:48 GMT

Dear Saints of God,

There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in situations, made not of our own choosing, but nevertheless calling for our engagement. As members of the Body of Christ, we set Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church and we align ourselves with Christ's mission to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18)

As the topic of Mercy is now politically charged, it is important that we engage the discourse adding our voices to the chorus of Christians who understand Jesus' message of mercy. As such, the sign in front of our church now reads:

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Some in our church may have concerns, some in our community may take offense, many may feel that the message names what is in their heart and are glad to take a clear and public stand. I appreciate the concerns, and I appreciate the desire to be an active participant in the public discourse, adding a voice of compassion.

For those who have concerns, I offer this reflection:

Mercy, in and of itself, is intrinsically good and is a core Christian virtue

The message on the sign is a direct quote from the Gospel of Matthew

Our Biblical narratives are filled with prophets speaking truth to power - think of Moses and Pharoah, Samuel and King David, Jeremiah and Judah, not to mention Jesus

Jesus was counter-cultural and political

Jesus challenges us when he is quoted saying

“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

We have nothing to be ashamed of when we stand behind and strive to spread Jesus’ words. My hope is that we offer our compassion and mercy even if we do not receive it in kind as we stand courageously together, united in Christ, and living into our own mission statement, “...to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.”

May God's blessings flow abundantly this February. May God guard and guide us as we journey through this moment in time together.

by Rev. Russ Goliger

The Season of Epiphany

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:09:29 GMT

Dear Saints of God:

The Season of Epiphany extends from January 6th to March 2nd. It is a time when we explore Jesus’ early ministry. We read the familiar stories about Jesus’ baptism, his first miracle at the Wedding in Canna, the start of his ministry when he went back home to Nazareth to proclaim the Good News and was nearly thrown off a cliff, the calling of the first disciples, the Beatitudes, Jesus’ command to love even our enemies, and Jesus’ admonition to avoid judging others lest we be judged. Throughout the Season of Epiphany, we will relate these themes to our revitalization efforts.

Along those lines, this will be an exciting season of new beginnings. We will be re-introducing Bible Study on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Our readings in Bible study will be the readings for the following Sunday. Each meeting will be made available via Zoom, recorded for future viewing, and a written summary will be available. Part of our Bible Study will also include YouTube videos from the “Bible Project”, a wonderful resource that provides context to the historical and literary themes to the readings.

We are also introducing a program called “The Theology of Marvels Cinematic Universe” starting in February. It will be a multi-dimensional program that combines movie nights, discussion boards, and group discussions. The program is still under development, so stay tuned.

We are introducing a new section called “Deepen Your Faith” into our weekly bulletins. We invite you to take the section home with you to ponder the “Questions for Reflection” throughout the week. There you will also find prayers for the start and end of your day that we invite you to include in your spiritual practice.

We are very excited about the simplicity and power of “Realm”, our new church ministry app. A small group has been testing it out and see it has great potential to help us communicate, manage our various committee activities and offerings, and expand our outreach. Over the next few months, we will expand its use. We will do this incrementally in phases. We start with a pilot program where selected members of each committee will receive basic training, test the features, provide feedback, and work together to develop the ways to use it to meet our needs. We will then take baby steps, releasing it to a limited number of new users until we have worked out the bugs and have developed enough expertise to help those who may need help in our final general release. Our goal is to have everyone feeling comfortable, confident, and enjoying its many benefits at some point in time. We understand that with change comes challenges, but with God (and a well-planned phased approach) all things are possible. Again, stay tuned.

And so, I encourage you, come to worship and join us as we enter our new ministry led by Jesus as he enters his, join in our new spiritual offerings to deepen your understanding and faith, and get ready to enter the 21st century as we adopt new technology to bring the Good News to God’s beloved.

Yours in Christ,

by Rev. Russ Goliger

The Meaning of Advent: A Season of Hope and Expectation

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 13:25:48 GMT

The Meaning of Advent:

A Season of Hope and Expectation

Dear Saints of God,

As we enter the season of Advent, we are invited into a time of waiting—waiting for the coming of Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the dawning of light in the midst of darkness. Advent, which begins the Christian liturgical year, is more than just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a spiritual journey, a season that calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the arrival of God’s grace in the world.

Serene Jones, a theologian and scholar, captures the essence of Advent beautifully when she says, "Advent is the season of radical hope, of defiant joy in the face of despair, of long, aching expectation, and of the deep conviction that God will show up to do something new and transformative in our world."

These words remind us that Advent is not just a time for passive waiting, but an active anticipation of God’s work in our lives and in the world. The Advent season is marked by a tension between the present reality and the hope for what is to come. As we light the candles of the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the growing light in the darkness—each week symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. It is through this liturgical act that we express our longing for Christ to enter our lives in a more profound way, to bring healing and transformation, and to fulfill the promises that began with the prophets and find their ultimate expression in Jesus’ birth.

For many, the world feels heavy with injustice, suffering, and uncertainty. Advent invites us to hold space for that pain while also affirming the radical hope that, despite all that seems wrong, God is at work to bring about justice, peace, and love. Advent is not about denying the darkness, but about insisting that God’s light can break through, even in the darkest of times. It calls us to live with an expectant faith, one that looks forward to Christ’s coming, not just in the past event of Bethlehem, but in the present and future realities of our lives.

This Advent, let us reflect on what it means to wait with hope, to anticipate the transformation God is bringing, and to open our hearts to the possibility that God is, even now, showing up to do something new and transformative in our world.

May blessings abound this Advent season.

Yours in Christ,

by Rev. Russ Goliger

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks...."

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:11:39 GMT

Dear Saints of God,

Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I want to share just how grateful I am to God and to you for the opportunity to serve this beloved church. It has been just a few weeks since I’ve arrived and the welcome extended to both Karen and me is heartwarming. Getting to know you individually, getting to know the church as a family, and getting to know the community in which we live, has been a joy and a blessing. There is a palpable and irresistible spirit alive in the church. I want to highlight just a few examples of where I see that spirit flourish.

One need only look at the collaboration between our Church Historian and Christian Education in their preparation for the upcoming 200th anniversary celebration. I marvel at the creative ways they have immersed our Sunday School children in our church history. It has kindled a curiosity about where we come from and what we are a part of so that we can choose what we want to carry forward. I have faith that we all will rejoice as the children lead their part of our worship on November 10th.

I rejoice in the work of Generous Giving and Outreach and pray that we all acknowledge the importance of their work. Both give cheerfully of their time, talent, and treasures. Both capture the essence of hope, trust, and faith in God that the Holy Spirit will kindle a cheerful spirit in you as we wrap up our pledge drive and offer our food gifts to those who are hungry.

I give thanks to God for those who organized our kitchen, purchased the mums, decorated the church steps, and deep cleaned the church in preparation for the Westminster Cracker Festival, the Circle of Artists Art Exhibit and Sale, and the wedding that was held on October 26th. So many details, so many people working together, so much love shared; the church sparkled both inside and out. The bridal party and guests couldn’t say enough about how beautiful the church was and how cared for they felt. God was visible amid all this activity.

These are but a portion of the many things I’ve seen in the short time I’ve been here. I look forward to building deep and meaningful relationships as we strive together to live into “God’s will for us in Jesus Christ.”

God’s blessings are certainly upon us. Let us rejoice and give thanks. Your Brother in Christ,

by Rev. Russ Goliger