I am proud to say that I have spent the last twenty years being YOUR pastor! On September 10th, I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my ordination. When I look back, there have been many wonderful moments: Sunday worship, weddings, baptisms, celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries, ordinary moments spent together. There have also been challenging moments, especially when our dear church members have passed on to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thinking about our twenty years together has made me also think of the years ahead. I continue to believe God has a plan for this congregation. Understanding God's plan for the church is vital. It not only defines our purpose as believers but also strengthens our unity and mission together in Christ. The church is not just a building; it represents the body of Christ on earth. EACH ONE of us contributes uniquely to the church.

Here's some Scripture to think about:

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." - 1 Corinthians 12:12

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." - Colossians 3:14

"Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." - Philippians 2:2

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" - Romans 10:14

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

"Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

These are verses not just to read, but to take to heart as we strive to live them out in our daily lives. May we remain steadfast in our mission, growing together in love and faith, working towards the beautiful purpose God has set before us. Let's dream BIG dreams together!

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn