Pastor's Corner
 

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Dear Beloved Church,

 

Greetings and peace to you all as we begin a new month together. May this fall season bring great joy and blessings to you and our ministry.

 

I invite you to reflect on a place or spot that you perhaps call your ‘Sanctuary’ or your little ‘happy place.’ It is a space in which you feel safe and empowered. This could be at home, at the local coffee shop or even an imaginary place that has all your favorite things. These special places bring us great joy and extraordinary excitement because of the beauty of the setting and the experiences we share with loved ones.

 

I trust that we as a faithful community of all believers have found a similar experience, meaning and joy when we gather to worship. Some of those meaningful and memorable times include Baptism, Marriage, Bible study, serving the community through Feed My Lambs, College feeding and even memorial services. During those holy times, we grow deeper and experience profound relationships with others and God.

 

The question I challenge us to wrestle with is - “How our church might be a ‘happy place’ where people would be able to experience and discover that they are loved. A place they are flourishing, laughing, thriving, and deepening their compassion for others and God.”

 

As we navigate this question together, may we continue to cultivate and model for the world a church where all are welcome. As the Psalmist says, 'I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”' (Psalm 122:1)

 

Blessings,

 

 

Rev. Dr. M. Niponi Finau