Beloved,

As I sit down to write this weekly pastoral letter, I am looking out my office window to a dark and empty café but am already excited to see it full of energy and enthusiasm again on Sunday morning. One of my favorite parts of Sundays is watching you linger. We are a lingering church, and your love for one another is contagious. I have so much excitement for the journey we are on together. Our mission, to “Invite everyone to walk together in the calling of Christ for a life of eternal impact,” is more than just words; it is a living, breathing testament to the work God is doing in and through us.

I am thrilled to share a significant milestone in our journey as a faith community. This week, our application to the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) was accepted, marking a new chapter in our church’s story. This affiliation with LCMC allows us to hold dual membership until our second vote to disaffiliate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in May. This development is not just about administrative change; it is a step towards greater missional alignment.

As we navigate this transition, I want to assure you that our pastoral team – myself, Pastor Jake, Pastor Greg, and Pastor Pamela – are committed to serving you with the same dedication and love. As “Contract Pastors,” we are empowered to perform the sacraments, ensuring that our practices remain uninterrupted and vibrant.

GREAT Morning Revolution

I am also filled with joy about the ongoing impact of our GREAT Morning Revolution Sermon series. Your engagement and feedback have been inspiring, and I have been blessed hearing that so many of you have been committing to new morning practices. This series is not just about learning; it’s about transformation. It’s about rising early with God, setting our hearts and minds on Him, and allowing His Spirit to guide us throughout the day. I want you to know that every morning, as part of our GREAT Morning routine, Jeff and I pray for you. We love this precious church so much, and we believe GREAT days are ahead.

From my heart,

Pastor Tara Beth