Venturing into the new year

​Hey friends!
 
As we continue to venture into this new year together, I pray that the future holds goodness and flourishing for each of us and our wider community.
 
This is shaping up to be a year of discernment for us. The steering committee set up a three-year strategic plan, and this is year three. Have we met our own goals as a congregation? What new goals is God calling us to set? How can we refine our ministries and outreach efforts to better serve our neighbors and love God?
 
We remain committed to our callings to address food insecurity in our community and steward the environment with the resources we have. As we have leaned in to those callings, God has affirmed our efforts. I anticipate another fruitful (vegetable-ful? 😉) garden season. The power pack program continues to meet the needs of local students, even as demands change. Our blessing box is frequented, and has turned out to be a wonderful addition to our mission efforts. Our solar panels are producing energy, and we have already avoided nearly 2,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide. Our native trees and plants are resting for the winter, preparing to put forth growth, sustenance, and shelter in the spring.
 
We have had several inquiries from churches around the country asking how we went about installing solar panels. Our efforts are inspiring others! Just recently, we were featured in a Rolling Stone article (linked on our website) and asked for an interview on the Yale Climate Connections radio spot. Again, God is affirming our efforts and working through our story to inspire others to care for God’s creation.
 
I am so proud of all we have accomplished for God’s kingdom in the past 2 years, and I am so excited to see what is to come! Let us continue to pursue God’s call. Let us continue to follow the teachings and example of Jesus. Let us continue working together for the good of our neighbors.
 
See you in church,
Pastor Julia