​(almost) Easter Greetings, Beloveds!
At this posting, I know I am a little ahead of myself. We do tend to leap ahead with our liturgical seasons—rushing through Advent to get to Silent Night or speeding through Lent as if we can barely pause at the tomb before proclaiming, “He is risen!” (Indeed.) But we are not quite there yet.
 
Lent is, if we are honest, uncomfortable. It gives us space for self-examination, a mirror held up to our soul, our heart, our intentions. It invites us to wrestle with the sin, guilt, and shame we carry—the burdens we have been called to release, but so often keep lifting back onto our own shoulders instead of laying them at the foot of the cross. I do not need to name them for you; you already know them, and so does God. Our omnipotent, omniscient Creator knows your heart intimately, knows our broken human condition, and so… we have Jesus.
 
Jesus, who called Lazarus from the tomb, also calls to us. He calls us to set down whatever we have been carrying, whatever we are still clinging to that is no longer ours to bear, and bring it to the font—remembering that we have already been washed clean. Dear gentle reader, do you not remember? Do you not trust the One who gave up everything out of love—just for you?
 
Easter reminds us that the love God sent to us in Emmanuel, God with us, is still with us now. God conquered death for you in a message of Hosanna: we are saved, we are loved, we are forgiven, we are worthy. You are all of these things. All y’all, because God so loved the world.
 
We are resurrection people. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, be certain of this: Christ, our Savior, born for you, took upon himself all the chaos, the muck, the mire, the blight of sin as a reminder of how deeply God loves all of us. The message of the cross, the silence of the tomb, and the rising to glory out of death are proof that there is nothing God would not do to remind us that there is nothing that can separate us from this all-inclusive, all-powerful, all-encompassing love.
My prayer for all y’all is that like Mary, you run with joy as you share the news proclaimed on Easter morning with everyone you meet: HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED (almost)!
God loves all y’all…and so do I. – Pastor Suzanne

​Grace and peace to you, beloveds!
Welcome to Lent—a sacred season when we re-examine our hearts, realign our lives, and draw closer to God. Over these forty days, we’ll make space for deep reflection, considering where we may have wandered from God’s hopes for us. This journey invites us into intentional prayer, fasting, and acts of loving service or generosity, all as a way of turning our attention back to what matters most.
Just as Advent invites us to wait for the birth of Emmanuel with unhurried delight, Lent invites us to walk alongside Jesus on His journey to the cross. We share in His suffering, but we also wait with hope—because we know the tomb is not the end of the story. Easter’s promise of resurrection fills our hearts with joy, even in this season of reflection.
Sometimes we forget, but this life isn’t just about us; it’s about how we can help bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth—right here, right now. We lean into this calling not because we have to, but because we love God (as 1 John 4:19 reminds us) and our neighbors. Everything we have is a gift from God, so we offer what we can with grateful hearts.
People often ask me at the start of Lent: Do I have to give something up? The short answer is no—you don’t have to! You’re welcome to give something up if it’s meaningful to you, or you might choose to add something life-giving to your days instead.
Try beginning each morning by reading or listening to scripture. Two wonderful apps I love are Daily Lectio and Pray as You Go.

Let prayer shape your day. Instead of listening to the radio in the car, talk to God—pray when you see or hear emergency vehicles, at stop lights, or whenever you feel prompted. Just share what’s on your heart; God loves to hear from you. Remember, prayer is a conversation, so pause and listen for God’s gentle reply.

Read something nourishing instead of turning on the TV. You’re invited to join us in the fellowship hall on Thursdays at noon for our study on Biblical justice, or on Monday evenings at St. Christopher’s for our ecumenical book study. (Contact me if you’d like to know more!)

Help your neighbors and community. Consider signing up to serve at Oasis, starting a diaper drive, collecting hygiene supplies for women’s shelters, or gathering pet food for Ruff Road Rescue. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

Reach out to someone who’s been on your heart. Send a card to someone in the congregation, thank a mentor, or surprise a friend with a note of appreciation. Don’t be shy about saying, "I love you."

Share your time and talents at St. Andrew—help organize the fellowship hall, clean the pews, assist Alyssa in the office, spruce up the lawn and flower beds, or plant some bulbs. Every little bit helps us grow together.

Cherish time with your family. Plan a weekly game or movie night. Put your phone away at dinner and share the highs and lows of your day together.

These are just a few ideas. Most importantly, notice where your loving presence is needed in your life, and let Christ guide your next steps. Whatever you choose to give up or take on, keep Jesus at the heart of it all. Blessed Lent, y’all.
God loves all y’all…and so do I.
 
Pr. Suzanne
 

Greetings Beloveds!
February's here! *what happened to January?!*  With Valentine's Day peeking around the corner on the 14th, I can't help but smile at all the hearts, chocolates, and maybe a few eye-rolls at the commercial overload. But let's be real: amid the pink and red frenzy, there's a beautiful, deeper story worth sharing—one that points us right back to God's incredible, never-gives-up-on-us love and God’s amazing grace.
Fun fact: Valentine's Day didn't start with candy grams or sappy cards. Way back in the 3rd century, there was this brave Christian guy named Valentine (or possibly a couple of them—history's a bit fuzzy on the details, but the “heart” of the story holds up). He was a priest who lived under a Roman emperor who thought single guys made better soldiers, so he banned marriages. Valentine? He said, "Nope, not on my watch," and secretly married couples anyway, because he believed in God's design for love and family. For that act of faithful rebellion and compassion, he ended up imprisoned and martyred around 270 AD. Legend says he even sent a note to his jailer's daughter (whom he'd befriended and maybe healed), signing it "From your Valentine." Talk about a guy who lived out love in action!
Isn't that just like our God? God  doesn't play by the world's rules when it comes to love. He went all in for us. As John 3:16 reminds us so simply and powerfully: "For God so loved the world (that’s all y’all) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Valentine's risky, sacrificial love echoes that ultimate Valentine from heaven—Jesus, who laid down His life for us while we were still a hot mess (Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us").
And here's the best part, y’all: we don't have to earn any of it. That's pure grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 hits me every time: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." God's love isn't a performance review or a box of chocolates you have to earn—it's a free, overflowing gift that says, "You're mine, warts and all." How freeing is that? Especially on a day when the world can make us feel like we need to measure up in romance or otherwise.
So this February, let's keep it light and joyful. Enjoy the sweets (I won't judge if you sneak an extra piece of chocolate, or ya know, share some with your Pastor), send a kind note to someone, hug your people a little tighter—but let's also remember the real Valentine spirit: bold, faithful love rooted in Christ's grace. Maybe even share a quiet "thank you" with God for loving us so ridiculously well.
Wishing you a month filled with God’s warmth and tender care.
God loves all y’all…and so do I.
Pr. Suzanne
​

​Grace and peace, beloveds!  AND!! Merry Christmas (yes, still!)
Some of you may have begun to put away the decorations, packed up the memories of each ornament, and taken the tree to the curb (or, attic?)...and that's ok. But slow down. We often forget that Christmas is a season, not just one day. Our secular world would have us think that Christmas begins in October, when the first signs of Grinch blow-ups and candy canes appear, but liturgically, Christmas is 12 days long. Remember Advent? The preparation for the Birth of our Lord and Savior? Remember, we lit one candle a week? I know, it flew by.
We're so busy preparing for Christmas that we've forgotten to slow down and ready the cradle of our hearts for the holy baby. So...do yourself a favor. If you haven't already taken down all that reminds you of the celebration, please feel free to sit. Sit in silence and remember why we celebrate in the first place. Light a candle. Read Luke 1-2:52. Read about Zechariah and Elizabeth, the miracle of John the Baptist (Jbap), and how he prepared for the coming of Christ... read about Mary and Joseph (scandal!) and how God came to us in a way that we could understand, love for love's sake. And do you know that God did that just for YOU? I know! Craziness...but God loves YOU that much. It's true.
And guess what (as if you didn't already know), I love you, too, and I'm so grateful for all y'all.

So, I write to say thank you for the ways you have blessed my family and me, and continue to bless us. 
Thank you for the Christmas Eve "bonus". Thank you for the gifts you sneakily put on my desk. Thank you for the cards and texts. Thank you for showing up to worship. Thank you for loving and caring for each other and for our community. Thank you for going along with my crazy ideas and for saying yes when we see a need, even though we all have a gazillion other things to do. Thank you for being the most hospitable, welcoming, beautiful congregation (I hear it ALL the time from visitors!).  And thank you for allowing me to serve as your Pastor. Y'all truly make my heart sing with joy, and I thank God daily for all y'all. 


What's in store for 2026? 
Once a month on a Sunday, we'll have Faith and Friends for our elementary-aged Littles/Middles. Thanks to Crystal Logan, who said let's make it happen, we'll meet after worship (or afternoon, tbd) and explore a Bible story, have a snack, and begin to develop our faith. I'm so excited!

A Grazing Grace will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of every month @ 1130. This culinary adventure group is comprised of whoever can make it, as we foster relationships by sharing stories and ideas about how we can be church together. 

The " There Might Be Wine" ladies' book club has really taken off, and there's always room for more on the 4th Monday night of the month. Want to talk about a good read and hormones? Come and join us! 

The Property Brothers (all 4 or 5~) are a dedicated bunch of gentlemen (?)! who meet on the 3rd Saturday to take care of St. Andrew's facility. Like to putter? Like to organize and smash things? Here's the group for you... And they could really use some help. Thanks, Jimmy, Bill, Justin, Tim, and Dave. 

OASIS! (it's not just a band!)- Kris and Jacob have been leading this ministry for over a year! Who are my early risers? The 4th Monday morning of each month, this crew serves a hot breakfast to those facing homelessness/food insecurity. I hear Melanie makes a mean egg!

Bible study?! YES! Edith has been leading for years! Wednesday evenings at SA and Thursday mornings on Zoom.

 Want more?
How about a pop-up choir? A men's ensemble? A men's book club where hormones are not mentioned (ok, maybe no book, either...) How about a monthly potluck lunch or cookies and coffee? Do you like to organize? (I really need someone for this! I'll even pitch in a label gun!) Like to garden? How about office tasks?  Know about an organization that needs help? What's your passion? 

I can't do it all...and neither can just a handful of volunteers, as that leads to burnout. So, if you're not involved, we can find a way to get you plugged in. There's so much work to do, y'all, and so much need. Pray about it... because everything begins there.

 Don't forget, 4 January is Epiphany/Star Word Sunday. I'm looking forward to how God will surprise us, and I cannot wait to see where the Spirit will lead us in 2026.

All the love and blessings, dear ones. Again...from the bottom of my heart, Thank YOU!

Pastor Suzanne

Question: Do I have to give something up for Lent?
Short answer: No, but you can. Another alternative, add something!
​
Take time every morning to read scripture. Here’s two great apps to use is Daily Lectio and Pray as You Go.

 Begin your day in prayer. Instead of listening to the radio in the car, pray…or pray at stop lights. Simply tell God what’s on your heart, it’s an ongoing conversation. Don’t forget to listen for God’s reply.

 Read, instead of watching TV. Join us on Thursday evenings at St. Andrew for soup and our book study.

Help your community. Sign up to serve at Oasis, start a diaper drive, collect hygiene products for women’s’ shelters, or pet food for Ruff Road Rescue. Sign up to walk with us for the Coldest Night of the Year (24 Feb) and donate to Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless. 

Reconnect with someone who’s been on your heart. Send cards to folks in the congregation. Reach out to an old mentor and thank them. Send a random text to a friend telling them you appreciate them.  Learn to say I love you.

Spend some time in service to St Andrew. Help organize the fellowship hall, clean the pews, help Nell in the office, spruce up the lawn and flower beds, plant some bulbs.
Make time for your family. Weekly game/movie nights. Put your phone away at dinnertime and talk about your highs and lows for the day.

These are a few ideas, but really all you need to do is look at your life and see the places that are lacking your presence. Whatever you decide to give up or take on, keep Christ at the center of all you do.

Blessings for a Holy Lent. 
I love ALL Y’all!+
Pr. Suzanne
 

My computer keeps reminding me that it's full...time to purge...too much stuff, too little space. Such is the life when one writes for a living. I found this gem while sorting through my files and I thought I'd share it with y'all. This is the last paper I ever wrote for seminary. My elevator speech and my why. Enjoy.

Suzanne Stierwalt
TPM 601 Capstone
VTS S’15
   
Baptism is the foundation of our Christian vocation. It is in the baptismal waters that we are washed clean, saved from sin and the devil and granted eternal life with Christ. Through baptism we share in Christ’s life, death and resurrection and we become part of something larger than ourselves. We are integrated into a community of believers as we are adopted into God’s family. Luther argued that “God’s promise in baptism should swallow up your whole life, body and soul, and give it forth again at the last day, clad in the robe of glory and immortality” (Luther’s Works Volume 36:69). Through this baptismal call, my vocation as a disciple becomes foundational to my relationships with my family, friends and all social settings in which I am a part.  
 The Lutheran church helped me to understand Christian vocation when I affirmed my baptism at the age of 28. I made a conscious decision to actively participate in the body of Christ. Hearing the Word and being mentored helped to shape my faith. Many people played a part in this formation, affirming my sense of call with each new church. Because we receive new eyes to see and new ears to hear at baptism, I am now able to understand that God has been talking to me through this community of believers. It is the church that affirms my vocation as wife and mother by embodying the expression of God’s unconditional love through Jesus Christ. The church models Christ’s love for neighbor, which affirms my vocation as friend and colleague. In the liturgy of Affirmation of Baptism, we are asked if we intend to “follow the example of Jesus striving for justice and peace in all the earth.” I can boldly proclaim, “I will, with God’s help” because I have seen this modeled in the church, which has gone out beyond its four walls into the community. All that I do is grounded in my love for Christ and in my baptismal vows. It is my greatest desire that following the vows that were made at my baptism, that empowered by the Holy Spirit, I will follow the great commission; to baptize others and to make disciples of all nations, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The Constitution of the ELCA states “the Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world” (4.01).  In order for the Kingdom of God here on earth to continue, the Church must make it its mission to follow the Great Commission stated in Matthew 28:16-20. We are to worship God and point to Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord to all corners of the earth so that all may hear. We are to go and make disciples of all the nations and baptize all in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are to teach the nations all that Jesus has commanded. This is the mission of the Church and we must take this mission into the world. We must bear witness to the truth, that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that there is one true Lord who lived and died and was resurrected for the sake of the world, and it is through Jesus that we are saved by grace through faith. 
Through right and faithful teaching, members of the Church are baptized, hear the Word of God and then are nourished by the body and blood of Jesus Christ. From font to table, we are fed so that we can go forth to proclaim the good news and care for all of God’s creation.
 
 
I am a daughter of a retired Marine Corp Sgt. Major, sister of a retired Navy sailor, wife of a Naval officer, mother to two beautiful girls and two four legged babies, a seminarian and a church leader....however, first and foremost, I am a child of God, a baptized Catholic Christian, a practicing ELCA Lutheran and a self-identified Luthopalian. Why am I telling you all of this? Because how we identify ourselves matters.  If we do not self-identify, the world will do this for us. Through the waters of my baptism, I walk wet in the world and I am reminded of how much I am loved by God. Daily, I am transformed and forgiven. By God’s grace, I am saved through faith and this doesn’t go away, ever! I am simultaneously saint and sinner and God loves me...no matter what.
 
 
Why is all that I do grounded in my baptism? Through my baptism, I was initiated into the body of Christ, and, in the Lutheran tradition, I am adopted into the priesthood of all believers, which in turn gives me a responsibility to a vocation in Christ.  “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1Pet 2:9
 From the ELCA Constitution, 7.11: “This church affirms the universal priesthood of all its baptized members...this church commits itself to the equipping and supporting of all its members for their ministries in the world and in this church. It is within this context of ministry that this church calls some of its baptized members for specific ministries in this church.”
Paul says “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another” (Romans 12:4). Gods calls each of us into this priesthood through our baptism, and we are set apart according to our varied gifts of the Spirit. We all have a different function, and we are less if any are missing as we all work for the benefit of the body. In the Gospels, all Christians are mandated to be a witness, to “go and tell,” for the Church is preserved only by hearing and retelling of God’s Word. The body of Christ’s mission is to proclaim the good news of God’s love and forgiveness shown to us through Christ, and to give glory to God. We are all part of the whole, and we are connected in ways that we cannot realize: but the goal is that the body continues in a healthy way. Without these varieties of ministry, we would not be a Church.
At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, I have served as“resident seminarian” for over two years. I co-led the Confirmation program for the past two years, I preach regularly and I offer Spiritual Direction to a few of the parishioners. I am seen by the congregants as one who has a sense of authority, and frankly, it is a bit terrifying. I do not have all of the answers. However, I endeavor to approach my theological education with an open heart, striving to soak up all of the knowledge afforded to me by Virginia Theological Seminary, the Lutheran church and our ecumenical partners in Common Call, the Episcopal Church.
It is a pleasure to work along side of this wonderfully welcoming congregation. They have a love for outreach and they have taught me a great deal about compassionate giving. Each Winter for one week, the parishioners of Holy Trinity open their hearts and church doors to those in our community who are homeless. Together in ministry, we serve hot meals, offer a warm place to stay and engage in fellowship with those who are turned away by overflowing shelters. A lot of hard work and planning goes into this venture, but we serve with grateful hearts as it is indeed a pleasure to do so.
I am a daughter of a retired Marine Corp Sgt. Major, sister of a retired Navy sailor, wife of a Naval officer, mother to two beautiful girls and two four legged babies, a seminarian and a church leader....however, first and foremost, I am a child of God, a baptized Catholic Christian, a practicing ELCA Lutheran and a self-identified Luthopalian. Why am I telling you all of this? Because how we identify ourselves matters.  If we do not self-identify, the world will do this for us. Through the waters of my baptism, I walk wet in the world and I am reminded of how much I am loved by God. Daily, I am transformed and forgiven. By God’s grace, I am saved through faith and this doesn’t go away, ever! I am simultaneously saint and sinner and God loves me...no matter what.
 
Though my seminary experience, I have learned what true community looks like.  My fondest memory of this comes from day one, August 8, 2012. I remember entering Aspinwall, wide-eyed, a grin on my face and thinking wow...I’m really here. There were over 60 of us on that day, journeying into the unknown; each bringing with us something to share, experiences of past lives. A teacher, an opera singer, a bartender and several others all coming from different parts of the world; we came together that first day not knowing what to expect. What we did know is what we already had in common and why we were here in the first place; our mutual love for Jesus. Together, we muddled through class, chapel, lunch.  We drown together in summer Greek and Hebrew, overwhelmed by the intensity of seminary altogether. We drowned in the sorrow of losses; things, people, places we had left behind. We drowned in the piles of books we had to read, the many papers we had to write and the many functions we were to attend; and it was out of this drowning, this dying to the familiar that we were reborn into a community. Just like baptism, in the waters that were way over our head, we emerged to a new way of life; a new normal. We, the VTS class of 2015 have been raised into a new life with Christ, bonded together with each other by the shared experience of seminary. We learned to really listen to each other, care for each other, love each other and share that love with the communities we served. Together, we learned to embody the Word as we inwardly digested the Old and the New Testament and learned how to effectively preach. Together, we learned to serve others in our global missions courses, our liturgics classes, through our field education and service learning projects. Together, we learned to teach others through our Christian education classes, systematics and church history. Together, we learned to love others right where they are through our classes on addictions, ecumenism and spiritual direction.  
Like an immersion trip, one cannot begin to process all that has happened until the trip is over.  I cannot even fathom how much I’ve learned over the past three years and what is even more unbelievable is how quickly the time went by. What I do know is that the relationships that I have built with colleagues and friends from both VTS and LTSG are relationships that I will have for the rest of my life. I know that there are faculty members that I can count on and friends that can call to help me navigate what will be the new “new” normal of full-time ministry and for that I am eternally grateful.
 
 
 
I am a daughter of a retired Marine Corp Sgt. Major, sister of a retired Navy sailor, wife of a Naval officer, mother to two beautiful girls and two four legged babies, a seminarian and a church leader....however, first and foremost, I am a child of God, a baptized Catholic Christian, a practicing ELCA Lutheran and a self-identified Luthopalian. Why am I telling you all of this? Because how we identify ourselves matters.  If we do not self-identify, the world will do this for us. Through the waters of my baptism, I walk wet in the world and I am reminded of how much I am loved by God. Daily, I am transformed and forgiven. By God’s grace, I am saved through faith and this doesn’t go away, ever! I am simultaneously saint and sinner and God loves me...no matter what.
 
 
I know that I am a beloved child of God.  I know that God has called me to be an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and in this, I find great joy. My heart is full every Sunday morning, every day as I serve and share the love of Christ. This vocation, this calling is my passion. As I leave the bubble that is seminary, I am giddy with great anticipation as I go forth into the world, stepping out in bold confidence that this is what I am made for.
 

Hey, y'all. Thanks for taking the time to read the updated post. We're back!! Finally...after two years, literally...we're back, fully. Gathering, singing, coffee hour-ing...worshiping, communing, listening, praying, and bringing the Gospel of Jesus into the world that God so loves. 

So much has happened in the past two years, so much has changed. People have changed and questioned, the notion of Church has changed and been questioned. Priorities have changed. But...God....has not. 

Thanks to Covid-19 what "church" looks like is different. We are a hybrid community and always will be. We have an entire community that gathers online weekly for worship that support each other in prayer and through online comments as they gather WITH all of us who are able to gather onsite @ 4811 High St. W. There are people that I will never meet in person, but they (you) are part of this community...and they (you) are valued, and loved.

Weekly, we pray this: God of all power and love, we give thanks for your unfailing presence and the hope you provide in times of uncertainty and loss. Send your Holy Spirit to enkindle in us your holy fire. Revive us to live as Christ’s body in the world: a people who pray, worship, learn, break bread, share life, heal neighbors, bear good news, seek justice, rest, and grow in the Spirit. Wherever and however we gather, unite us in common prayer and send us in common mission, that we, and the whole creation might be restored and renewed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wherever...and However...just as we (you) are, beloved. God's love knows NO bounds and is available to all. Lavish, unrelentless, full-to-the-brim-and- overflowing LOVE! 

I love you...you matter. And I'm thankful for you, dear one. +
​Pr. Suzanne

Pastor’s Report                    St. Andrew Lutheran Church                                                           
Grace and peace be with you from God, our Holy Parent, and from Jesus Christ, Our Savior, and Lord.

No one, not one could have predicted what the year 2020 would bring. The year began well. We installed new council members, had a clear vision of where God was leading us as a congregation. We had The Rev. John Wertz, Assistant to the Bishop of the Va Synod lead us in our council retreat. We were on fire for the Lord and were in the process of dreaming up new plans for evangelism and new ways in which to serve our community when March 15 hit…and suddenly, the entire world was out of commission, and life as we knew it had changed.

Out of an abundance of caution, care, and love for our members, and guidance from the Synod, St. Andrew decided not to meet in person for worship. Instead, we all adapted to online worship, via Facebook Live, now, affectionately known as St. Andrew, LIVE! from the She Shed.

During this time apart, yet together in heart, we have gained the recognition of several new folks who have been faithful in joining us in worship. God left the building and went out into the world through social media. Evangelism was happening at rapid speed as members told their neighbors, friends, and loved ones about our online worship. Was this not supposed to be happening all along? For the first time, the passage from Exodus 40: 34-38 made perfect sense…

” Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  Throughout all their journeys,  whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

God cannot be contained in a building. Since the beginning of time, God has searched us, sought us out, and walked among us. God makes God’s presence known not through a place, but through God’s beloved creation. God “tabernacles” in, with, and around us. We, more than ever before are the Church in the world, sharing the love of Jesus Christ, one “share” at a time.

Yes, Covid-19 has been horrific. It has claimed the lives of many and reaped economic disaster upon us, but with God, we have become more faithful at serving and loving our neighbors. Our church family has grown and generosity has increased, and for this, I am thankful.

I have no idea what is in store for 2021, but what I do know is this: God is with us, through all the fire and clouds of our days. Whether we worship in our beautiful, dilapidated building at 4811 High Street West, or whether we gather together, apart, the Spirit is at work comforting us and surrounding us with the love of Jesus Christ. This too shall pass and THIS Body of Christ will remain unbroken.

God loves all y’all, and so do I.
​
Blessings as we walk faithfully into the unknown.
 
The Reverend Suzanne M. Stierwalt, Pastor