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