Dear Church Family,

It is hard to believe we are halfway through January!  It seems like we just put the new calendar on the wall and we are already turning the first page.

A new year asks us not just what we will do, but who we will be. As a church, we are beginning this year by focusing on two spiritual disciplines that have formed God’s people for centuries: daily prayer and Scripture reading.

Last Sunday, we reflected on the pattern of prayer Jesus gave His disciples in the Lord’s Prayer. It is striking that when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He did not give them a set of words to simply repeat, but rather, He invited them into relationship: “Our Father…” Prayer, at its heart, is not transactional but relational. It is not primarily about getting things from God, but about being with God.

This is good news for those who feel intimidated by prayer or Bible reading. You do not need to be eloquent. You do not need to put on a show. Jesus begins with simple words and daily rhythms: bread for today, forgiveness for today, grace for today. The invitation is not to impress God, but to show up.

As we begin the year, consider intentional steps of progress in prayer and Bible reading. A few minutes in the morning. A psalm before bed. The Lord’s Prayer prayed slowly and thoughtfully. A single chapter of Scripture read attentively rather than many chapters read hurriedly. Spiritual disciplines often begin as acts of obedience, but over time, obedience gives way to affection. Disciplines can turn into desires. What once felt like effort can become nourishment.

These practices do not earn God’s love. They position us to receive what God is already eager to give: His presence, His peace, and His transforming grace. Over time, prayer and Scripture reshape not just our schedules, but our hearts.

As we look ahead to the year, we also want to share an encouraging update. We are nearing the completion of the interior phase of our building project. Soon, we will begin using new and renewed spaces that will serve our church and community for years to come. As we do, we want to remember an important truth: we do not worship buildings. We worship God. We do not worship these spaces, but we worship in them.

That means gratitude without attachment, joy without pride, and stewardship with care. These spaces are tools for ministry, hospitality, discipleship, and prayer. May they always point beyond themselves to the God who dwells not in buildings made by hands, but in the hearts of His people.

With that in mind, let’s care for them and take appropriate ownership and responsibility for stewarding them well.

As we begin this year together, may we be a church that is rooted in prayer, shaped by Scripture, and attentive to the presence of God in every season.

Loving you all, 

Michael