The Recipe of Grace

It is hard to believe that I have already been serving as your pastor for a year. It seems like only a month ago that I stood before you for my first sermon at Grace and asked, “What is your special sauce?” Over the past year, I think I have begun to discover the recipe.

Grace’s special sauce begins with a cup of compassion and care: care for the ministries and missions of this church, care for this beautiful building that generations have entrusted to us, and, most of all, care for one another. It includes a heaping helping of creativity, imagination, and passion for Spirit-filled worship. Week after week, you generously share your gifts and talents as we proclaim the good news through music, drama, art, prayer, and preaching.

There is also a dash of daring: a willingness to try new things, step beyond what is familiar, and trust that God walks with us through every celebration and every sorrow. All of this is simmered in the Spirit, who continues to fill, sustain, and nourish us whenever we come together to worship, learn, serve, laugh, grieve, and pray.

It has been a blessing and a joy to serve this congregation. During this first year, you have nurtured me on my own journey of faith. You have helped me hone the gifts I brought to ministry and leadership, encouraged me to discover new ones, and extended grace to me when I have made mistakes. I am deeply grateful for the staff and volunteers with whom I have the pleasure and privilege of serving. I am also thankful for the generous welcome and support you have shown to Rachel, our family, and me.

Grace is a special place, with so much to offer those who worship beside us and those we serve beyond our doors. As I begin my second year as your pastor, I look forward to continuing our journey together as we walk in the way of Christ, care for one another, serve our neighbors, and participate in the work God is already doing in our midst.

Thank you for welcoming me into the life of this congregation and for allowing me to share in Grace’s special sauce. I cannot wait to see what the Spirit will continue to cook up among us.