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Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
As I reflect on the exciting changes happening at St. Mark’s, especially at our Sanctuary campus, I’m filled with mixed emotions. I can say that these are truly exciting times, but also a bit scary. And maybe that’s how we’re meant to feel when we’re stepping into something new.
As many of you know, I’m in my first semester at Claremont School of Theology. One of the classes I’m taking is Religious Leadership, taught by Bishop Grant Hagiya. In one of the early chapters of our textbook, Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger, the author emphasizes the importance of understanding uncharted territory. He writes about how we can’t move forward by looking backward—that the world before us is not like the world behind us. And this really resonates with me, especially in this season of life.
I’ve been at Sanctuary for just seven months now, and in that short time, everything feels like it’s moving at lightning speed. Between school, my role as your pastor, coaching at Marana, working on the Hatchathon, trying my best to grow our church, and still making time for my family—whew, let me catch my breath! It feels like I’m constantly balancing a lot, but it’s all part of this exciting journey we’re on.
Now, as we consider a move from our current location to Coyote Trail Elementary for worship, I can’t help but recognize that we are facing true uncharted territory. This opportunity feels monumental, but in many ways, it’s also a God-ordained adventure. In his book, Tod Bolsinger shares the main purpose behind his writing: "To reframe this moment of history for Christians in the West as an opportunity put before us by God for adventure, hope, and discovery—while embracing the anxiety, fear, and potential loss that comes from answering this call." This idea really speaks to where we are as a church. The move, though a scary idea for some of us, is not just a shift in location—it’s a God-given opportunity.
While the transition may bring some anxiety or uncertainty, we must remind ourselves that it’s also an invitation for growth. We are grateful for the time we’ve had in our current space and the countless blessings that have come with it. But now, God is calling us to something new, and that excites me.
There are so many positive reasons for this move. First, we will be able to save a significant amount of money by relocating. The Bible teaches us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, and this move will allow us to be more financially responsible. Additionally, being in the heart of Marana presents a unique opportunity to reach families in the community, many of whom may not have encountered the love of Christ yet. This central location gives us a greater opportunity to engage with the community in meaningful ways.
So, while it might be a little scary to leave what is familiar, I am beyond excited for the future. We are stepping into an adventure that, though uncertain, holds incredible potential for growth, outreach, and kingdom impact. Let us embrace the challenges ahead with faith and excitement, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Join us on February 13 at 6:30 on the Sanctuary Campus for our Church Conference to vote on this proposal to enter a rental agreement with the Marana School District. You can read more about it on page 10 of the February Messenger, found here: LINK. And please pray for this decision before us.
Blessings,
Pastor Tu'ulauena Lolohea
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