Dear Church Family,

Once again I want to thank you for your encouragement in my family's time of bereavement. You are a dear church community with abundant kindness. I'm unable to write a separate thank you note to each of you who brought meals, sent gift cards, and reached out. Please know how grateful I am for you and your acts of compassion. You are the face of Christ to my family and me.

Returning to the church Monday felt right and I'm grateful for the welcome I received from the staff. It was also good to be with our session Monday night, be part of other Zoom gatherings, and reconnect with some of you. I'm looking forward to more of that.  

Let me say a big THANK YOU to Pastor Jennie who stepped into new areas of leadership. She is a wonderful colleague and an amazing pastor. Her leadership has been invaluable and I know I continue to need her support. If you haven't met her yet, I encourage you to take the time. God has truly brought her to us in this season!

Obviously, this next season will have transition in it for me. (Another reason I am grateful for Pastor Jennie.) Sometimes I do just fine. Other times I need a break or even cry...both in expected and unexpected moments. When that happens please know that these moments are OK. You don't need to respond. Those of you who have lost a spouse will know the reality. I know I am not the only one to walk a grief journey like this.

Being back with you in ministry is so good for many reasons, but one reason that stands out is hearing about all the wonderful acts of Christian service you have engaged in lately and how God has been at work through you. I'm blown away by Hamblen Church and how your faithfulness expresses itself in our community. This week's enews which comes out on Thursday will highlight a few of those ministries.

May God bless each of you. Whatever kind of season you are in right now, may the peace of Christ increase your joy.

Pastor Steve