It has been a wonderful first 100 days of our journey together!
As a new pastor, I feel as though I have received the baton with a head start in this relay race. Thanks to Pastor John and Joy’s faithful leadership, our church is in a good place and continues to build momentum. I am deeply grateful to follow their faithful service and to join in what God is already doing among us.
Of course, this transition has not been easy for everyone. We share a collective sense of loss. Wherever I turn, I hear and see members of our church family expressing how much they miss John and Joy. My family and I also feel a big “hole” left by the congregation we loved and served for the past 12 years. Recently, a former church member who had visited us said, “You left us a huge hole, but you and your family left love bigger than the hole. So we’re holding up.”
Those words have stayed with me. In the same way, although the hole left by our previous congregation is enormous, I am holding up well because of the even greater love we have received from our new church family here. I believe love has a wonderful way of carrying us through seasons of change.
Since I am still learning to see the bigger picture of our church’s life and ministry, I may unintentionally overlook some important moments or contributions. Thank you in advance for your grace and understanding as I continue to learn and grow alongside you.
Transition Team and SPRC
First, I am deeply grateful for our Transition Team and SPRC, under the leadership of Linda Tucker. As soon as Pastor John’s retirement was announced, they took proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition. They surveyed the congregation to understand our needs and priorities, communicated with our District Superintendent, advocated for our church with the conference, and found meaningful ways to say farewell to Pastor John and Joy and welcome the Han family. I especially appreciate the extra time, care, and labor of love they devoted to coordinating every detail while my family and I were on sabbatical leave in Korea this summer. Their thoughtful preparation helped make this transition a welcoming and meaningful experience for us. I also look forward to our upcoming “House Meetings” in November, when we will have opportunities to share our hopes, listen to one another, and discern God’s vision for our future together.
Board of Trustees
I am grateful for our Board of Trustees, who generously share their gifts, time, and energy to care for our church properties. I was amazed by the transformation of the parsonage between March and June. What a difference their hard work made! My family and I felt deeply loved and welcomed through their care. Special thanks to Scott Redman, Bill Glass, all our Trustees, and everyone who contributed in so many different ways. I am continually impressed by their faithful service, whether restoring the church building, renovating the parsonage, maintaining our properties, or taking care of the many practical details that keep our facilities safe and welcoming. Their work helps create spaces where people can gather, grow in faith, and experience God’s love.
Outreach Team
I am grateful for our active and faithful Outreach Team. Thanks to Tom Kerr, Judith Dunklee, Bill and Susan Glass, and many others, we continue to partner with our local food pantry through the Red Wagon ministry and our monthly DYECH gift card sales. These ministries help address food insecurity and housing needs in our community.
We also support women and children served by Independence House through our backpack ministry and Thanksgiving baskets. Our new partnership with Duffy Health Center holds promising opportunities for future ministry and community outreach.
I am also thankful to Jennifer Wright, John Duncan, and everyone involved in our Van Ministry, which faithfully serves our seniors and children each week and whenever transportation is needed. Through these ministries, we extend Christ’s love beyond our church walls and remind our neighbors that they are not alone.
Thrift Shop and Furniture Barn
Our Thrift Shop and Furniture Barn continue to thrive! These ministries provide important financial support for our church, but their value goes far beyond fundraising. They are wonderful opportunities for outreach, creating a welcoming community among our volunteers, regular customers, and new visitors. I am amazed by the time, energy, and joyful spirit our volunteers bring to this ministry. Through their faithful service, ordinary daily interactions become opportunities to build relationships and share kindness. I am also looking forward to the upcoming Christmas Room, which will bring the joy of Christmas to our community while continuing to serve our neighbors. Special thanks to Connie Swedlund, Penny Bach, Paula Phillips, Vicki Balvavoni, and all our dedicated volunteers for making these ministries possible.
Senior Advocates Team
I am especially grateful for our Senior Advocates Team. I see their work as a beautiful example of incarnational ministry, not simply doing ministry for seniors, but sharing life and building relationships with them. Our quarterly luncheons are highlights for many in our congregation. Throughout the year, team members also regularly call, check in on, and visit our older adults. Whenever I visit our church members, I often see evidence of this ministry in the cards they have received and hear stories of the care they have experienced. Thank you for helping our seniors feel seen, remembered, valued, and loved.
Worship and Music Ministry
One of the highlights of my first 100 days has been our worship life together. Our Summer Beach Services have been a uniquely beautiful experience, allowing us to encounter God in the beauty of creation and connect with people in our wider community. I am grateful to Cookie and Buzz Barry, Louise Houston, Paul Honigsblum, Jim and Donna Cramer. Our 10:00 AM Sunday worship is also a Spirit-filled experience, made possible by the faithful service of our ushers, liturgists, musicians, choir members, children’s message leaders, and our new AV team. I am especially thankful for our rich music ministry, led by Ben Colgan, Paul Honigsblum, and our beloved choir. Recently, we had the privilege of recording the song “This Christmas Day.” The recording process was more than a musical project; it was an opportunity to strengthen our relationships and deepen the bonds of love among us. I am grateful for the gifts, dedication, and joyful spirit that so many bring to our worship.
Christian Education
I am grateful for our Christian Education Team and the ways they nurture faith across generations. Betsy Grant and Emily Earl have graciously stepped into leadership, helping organize another successful Rally Day and Trivia Night. Special thanks to Donna and Nicki for their work on Trivia Night! Looking ahead, we hope to offer more activities that bring people of all ages together in fellowship and faith.
Our Sunday School children and youth continue to grow in love and faith under the leadership of Valerie Jansson and Emily Earl. As a parent, one of my greatest joys is hearing that our children cannot wait to come to Sunday School! I am also delighted to see them taking a more active role in Sunday worship by serving on the AV team and sharing their musical gifts through the children’s choir. These are wonderful signs of a growing, vibrant, and intergenerational church family.
Bible Study and Small Groups
I am grateful for our Bible study and learning community. It is a privilege to serve alongside our new small-group leaders, Tom Kerr and Connie Swedlund, who lead with grace and wisdom. Our study of 1 Corinthians can be challenging at times, but it has also given us opportunities to grow together in faith, understanding, and mutual care. Whether meeting in person or online, we are building a community where we can watch over one another in love. I look forward to seeing these small groups continue to deepen our relationships with Christ and one another.
Looking Ahead
Finally, I am grateful for all the faithful people who serve behind the scenes, often in ways that go unnoticed. As we look ahead, we give thanks to God for 175 years of faithfulness in the life of our church. What a remarkable testimony to God’s steadfast love! Our “Team 175” will be working to find meaningful ways to celebrate this milestone throughout the coming year.
I am excited about what God has in store for us. The same God who has faithfully led this church for 175 years is still at work among us today. I am grateful for the journey we have already shared and hopeful for all that lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this beloved community.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Victor
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