An excerpt from July 2025 newsletter Dear Friends in Christ, "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are!" — 1 John 3:1 In the heart of summer, with its long days and warm nights, we are invited to remember who we are: beloved children of God. This identity is not something we earn or achieve. It is a gift—poured out freely in baptism, spoken over us in love, and lived out in community. Summer gives us space to rest, to reflect, and to play. Many of our families are heading off to Bible camps where young people will sing around campfires, explore the beauty of God’s creation, and hear again that they are deeply loved by the One who made them. Some of us are simply soaking up time outdoors—on a trail, by a lake, in the garden. These moments of wonder and peace remind us of our Creator and the joy of being part of God’s good world. In August, we’ll gather for Vacation Bible School—a time to plant seeds of faith and help our children discover what it means to be part of God’s family. Please watch for details and volunteer opportunities. It’s one of the most joyful weeks of the year! We’ll also continue our rhythm of special summer worship services, where all three congregations come together. These services remind us that the Church is bigger than any one building or group. We belong to something larger—bound together not by location but by the Spirit who claims us and calls us beloved. Wherever this summer takes you—camp, cabin, garden, sanctuary—remember who you are. You are a child of God. You are named, known, and loved. And nothing in all creation can separate you from that love (Romans 8:39). May this season renew your spirit and ground you deeply in the grace of Christ. In Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan shares his adventures while showing the three churches are within "walking distance" of each other.