From The Pastor's Pen
Monthly Reflections from Our Pastor
Welcome to From the Pastor’s Pen, a monthly blog where our pastor shares thoughtful reflections, spiritual insights, and timely messages for our church family and beyond. Whether drawing from Scripture, current events, or life within our congregation, each post is written to inspire, encourage, and deepen your walk of faith.
Check back each month for a new message—rooted in tradition, guided by grace, and written straight from the heart.
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