Happy New Year!

Dear Congregation,

Happy New Year! I pray that 2026 will be a good one for you and for the world. Beginning a new year is a good time to reflect on how we’re doing as living this one precious life we’ve been given by God. Many people make New Year’s Resolutions addressing things they feel they need to do to be healthier and/or happier. I think this is a good practice, even though there are jokes about how often people quickly fail at keeping their resolutions! The important thing is to try and keep trying!

Please remember to consider your spiritual life in your annual self-assessment. There are practices available to strengthen it, just as there are exercises you can do to improve your physical strength. But just like those physical exercises you actually have to do them for them to work! Some of these are: regularly reading scripture and devotionals, meditating, praying, being present in worship, fasting, journaling, generosity, and action for justice and peace.

This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday After Christmas. I hope you’ll begin the new year by being present in worship. Afterward you are invited to help undecorate the Sanctuary. Even though we take down and put away the Christmas decorations, remember that the hope, peace, joy, love, and light of Christ are not put away, but are ours to share with others in 2026.

God Bless You!

In Christ’s love.

Pastor Candy