3 years! I have been serving as your pastor for the past 3 years. It has been a joy (pun intended). As I reflect on who I was and who the church was when I started, I can confidently say that we have made progress together (aging like fine wine– or so I hear). We have grown together, laughed together, come to compromises, tackled minor prophets and Paul’s letter, all the while seeking to follow Christ above all. I would like to offer a few things for reflection as we think about what God has done since we first met. Here are some highlights so far:

• ¨ We navigated online church and conquered Zoom.
• ¨ We got to know each other on a deeper level by sharing our stories.
• ¨ God has invited us into new ministries.
• ¨ Our community is starting to realize that we want to be a beacon of hope.
• ¨ We have endured those little prepackaged communion cups.
• ¨ We have discussed, studied, and prayed about challenging topics.
• ¨ There are at least 5 seminary students that are in ministry in our building.
• ¨ I learned how to preach for exactly 23 minutes (give or take).

Here is to more years together,

Joy

 This is the Lord’s doing,

    and it is wonderful to see.

 This is the day the Lord has made.

    We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23-24