From Janet Mortinsen, Director of Pastoral Care

God is looking for us to be in a relationship with God. And when that happens, then we realize there is no sin that could overpower us. There is no suffering that could destroy us. There is no ailment that could completely control us because we have chosen to allow God's power to be that which we will live by.  Will you suffer? Probably. Will you ever be sick? Most likely. Will you ever feel like you're alone? Possibly. But God is never far away. In fact, God is as close as your next prayer. God is as close as the next time you simply ask for that relationship to be restored. God is always with you, and God wants you to follow. If you're not sure what it is that God has gifted you to, if you're not sure where it is that God is leading you, maybe just take a moment and find out how close God is. Just pray for when you pray, God will be there. Amen

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 In a recent meeting, Pastor Gary told us that the majority of people who step foot in a new church have experienced a major life change in the proceeding 6 months. A birth, a death, addiction or sobriety, or a move of place or job. The question is always the same: "am I going to be okay?" And so it was with me. I was constantly anxious and plagued with ‘What if?’. The answer was whatever worst-case scenario I could conjure and believe me, I am creative. But, over these last 2 years I now know the answer without a doubt that, yes, I am and will be okay. My embrace of an undoubtedly merciful Creator opened my heart. Even in the darkest times I've found the Peace of the Lord in those people doing his work on earth. Peace, Kyra Morgan 

As a child, prayers were rote statements. For meals, we said, “Come Lord Jesus” and for bedtime, we said the first verse of the hymn Abide with Me. “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. As darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.” Of course, we made a contest of seeing who could say the whole verse of Abide with Me the fastest. Then, I spent the night at my grandmother’s house. My grandfather was already dead, so she lived alone. I crept by her room and heard her whispering. She was talking to God in a whisper, pouring out her heart to God. It was a showstopper for me. Getting personal with God is a powerful thing. Remember when vows at weddings were the “repeat after me” variety and are now a personal and heartfelt promise? Making prayer personal reminds us that God made us individuals, with our own hopes, dreams and fears to discuss with God. Prayer: God, thank you for making me the person I am. I pray I make you proud and happy. Amen

Busyness is perhaps one of the largest obstacles keeping us from recognizing the presence of God. Many spiritual practices are simply invitations to slowing down and becoming mindful of the present moment. God is always with us and present in every moment and so, when we can intentionally be here, in the present moment, we discover our God who is always waiting for us. “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 Help me to slow down and see your presence in this moment. Amen.

Anticipation is usually viewed as a positive experience. We look towards the future with excitement, anticipating events that are to come with hope. However, anticipation has a close cousin -- anxiety. Sometimes, when we look towards the future our mind wanders into anxious thoughts about negative consequences that might await us. The human body doesn't know the difference between the two. If you are excited, your pupils dilate, your heart rate quickens, and you may start to sweat. In the same way, when you are nervous about the future, your pupils dilate, your heart rate quickens, and you may start to sweat. The subtle difference between excitement and fear is simply our mindset. As people of faith, we have been given thousands of reasons to anticipate a hopeful future. Our mindset can be one of excitement because we know that the future is in God's hands and that in the end all of creation will be reconciled back to God. " Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 As I wait, I trust in you O God. Amen.

Epiphany As we make the liturgical shift from Christmas to Epiphany, the readings shared in churches throughout the world will also shift from stories of the baby Jesus to stories of adult Jesus.  Epiphany invites us to connect with different aspects of Jesus’ character; during this season we read about Jesus as God’s Beloved Son, Jesus

12 Days of Christmas by Pastor Nate January 6, 2024 This devotional series has 12 entries intended to carry through the Liturgical season of Christmas. I searched my memory and surveyed a bunch of parents to come up with twelve actual thoughts we had during our first days as parents. Perhaps these are also thoughts Mary or