Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 10

Dear Beloved,

How are you as spring blooms?  

I am appreciating the current sermon series following the gospel of Luke's stories of our Crucified and Risen Leader.  I'm also continuing to give thanks for the experiences of Lent and Holy Week focusing on following the courageous ways of God.  I give thanks for the experiences that I had throughout the year with the confirmation students as we explored different names and understandings of who we understand God to be.  Even though we celebrated the rite of confirmation on Palm Sunday which brings the end to the class for the year, I continue to reflect on the names of God and love exploring God’s names which feel unlimited to me since God is beyond our human language.  Do you have a favorite or preferred name for God?  Do you have a name that you have heard for God that is confusing or complicated for you?  Is there a name for God that bothers you?  I'd truly value you hearing your responses.  It means a lot to me to be in conversation with you and to learn with and from you and to get to know you.  If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd be excited and honored to hear from you.  pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com

 Thank you for being you!  Your name is precious to God who knows you and calls you by your unique and special name and by your shared name as a beloved child.  May you feel the hope, peace, mercy, and compassion of the Risen One.

 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.  (Psalm 99:3)

 With gratitude and hope,

   Sarah 

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

    the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

    and established it on the waters.

Psalm 24:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 17

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that this too shall pass and all will be well. In time and with work, the wound is being healed. I am able to think and speak about Adam without that constant ache of sorrow. Of course, I will not get over his death. I am learning to accept it as part of the varied and rich fabric of life on earth. I will always remember Adam. I will always miss him.

And, I am moving forward with the blessings of Adam’s example, with an openness to his ongoing spiritual presence, with a commitment to love and support Adam’s family/my family as best I can for as long as I can, and with assurance that all is well as I complete my call and journey in this life.

May the Risen One grant you the assurance that in whatever you face, that this too shall pass and all will be well.

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from the Lord. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

If I can assist you with your losses, please reach out.

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 3

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that it is possible to hold multiple emotions at the same time. It is true that this season of mourning is dominated by sadness but that is not all there is. When I remember my faith, I have hope. When our family tells favorite stories and memories, we share laughter and smiles. When I advance Adam’s legacy of learning, teaching, and advocacy I experience renewed purpose. When I get outside of myself to help others there is a return of a sense of contribution and contentment.

As you move through the losses in your life, it is necessary to turn toward the pain, but remember that there is still room for other emotions too. May God’s grace in Christ sprinkle in moments of peace, hope, happiness, and purpose too.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 26

Eastertide Greetings, Beloved! And happy Autism Awareness Month and Earth Day Month! 

If you think that I’m always finding a reason to celebrate, you’re right! There is much in this world that is sad, hard, and painful. I believe it is important to take time to grief, lament, and not to rush, hide, or avoid the suffering that is experienced near and far. I also believe it is important to rejoice and give thanks for all that is life-giving, hopeful, and loving. 

Learning and growing in community is something I give thanks for and celebrate - so many creatures and organizations offering blessings and goodness! During my adult years of growing and studying with others and learning from and with others, I have tried to be intentional about finding groups, cultures, and experiences to celebrate and honor intentionally in order to broaden my understanding of the beauty and diversity of all God has created and continues to create. This month I would invite you to be intentional about giving thanks for people with autism/autistic people and to learn with or from someone through reading, listening, being mindful…If you need help finding resources, please never hesitate to be in touch. If you are a person with autism/an autistic person, thank you for being the you God made you to be. I would also like to invite you on behalf of the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team and the Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team to help with or come to and invite people to come along with you to an event on April 25th anytime between 2 and 4 celebrating Earth Day, Wellness, Mental Health, and all who nurture (Mental Health Month comes in May 🙂) 

What are you celebrating this month and/or this spring? I would be excited to hear about what offers you encouragement and hope in this season of Eastertide when we focus on the energy and transforming grace of Jesus - our Resurrected Leader. May you know you are loved today, tomorrow, and always.

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

    the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

    and established it on the waters. 

Psalm 24:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 19

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that faith matters. Throughout the long illness Adam endured and the sudden decline that led to his passing, we were supported by the abiding and graceful presence of God. God did not take away the illness or the dying. God did not rescue us from hardship and heartache. But God has been and continues to be with us in helpful ways.

I felt God’s presence in the cards and messages of support, in the comfort of food left on our front porch, and the many prayers offered on our family’s behalf. God’s presence was revealed in worship, music, and moments of unexpected beauty. I was sustained by kind smiles, heartfelt tears and hugs, and in the joy and innocence of the little ones in my life.

I knew God was present when Adam entered the peace death brought. I experienced grace in the intimacy of loved ones gathered in the immediate wake of his passing. I continue to find peace in trusting Adam’s illness is finally healed in God’s eternal embrace. I rejoice in affirming that I will see Adam again. I am encouraged that he has joined my cloud of witnesses.

Turn to God in your losses. The Good Shepherd will provide for your needs.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 12

Eastertide Greetings, Beloved!  

You are in my prayers in this special season of Eastertide (the time between Easter and Pentecost) when we celebrate the joy, hope, grace, love, and power of the Risen One.  For those of you here in the Midwest this also coincides with the spring season when new life is blossoming around us.  I hope and pray that you are able to find the time and/or space to breathe in the good news of the Living One, the mercy of new life, and the encouragement of restoration and regeneration.  I hope and pray that you feel the Spirit guiding you and uplifting you.  

Many thanks to all the children and teens who led us in worship by sharing in the palm procession to begin Holy Week on Palm Sunday.  Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support, and encouragement of the confirmands.  Thank you to the confirmation mentors and families.  Thank you to the Fellowship and Care Ministry Team who offered the reception for the confirmands.  Thank you to the Worship and Arts Ministry Team, the chancel choir, Kristin, David, Heather, Heidi, Michael, the Buildings and Grounds Ministry Team, the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry, adult and youth lay readers, guest musicians, the scouts, the custodians, and Pastor Marc for all your time, energy, talents, faith, and prayers to make everything so special for Holy Week and Easter!

I also invite your prayers for everyone working to prepare the special summer opportunities for children and teens.  We would appreciate your prayers for Vacation Bible School and our first ever accessible summer mini camp for children ages 4 to 7 years old who are in special education classes or programs which will be led by teens from Friedens and other congregations in the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ.  We would appreciate your prayers that these experiences are healthy, safe, meaningful, and fun for everyone involved.  We pray that they will be opportunities to reach out to kids and teens from Friedens and from the wider community with the love of Jesus.

Thank you!  It is a blessing and a joy to serve with you!

May you know the peace, love, hope, and grace of Jesus all through Eastertide!

Sarah 

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

And she told them that he had said these things to her.  (John 20)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Apr 5

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that there is not one right way to grieve. Losses come in various shapes and sizes. We are different in how we process experiences and how we express emotions. Our backgrounds and relationships vary, and much of our ever-changing situations fall outside of our control. These and other factors influence how we grieve.

The key is to keep moving toward a place of acceptance, to work toward the healing you and the others near you need. A constant in this process is a commitment to thoughts, words, and actions that open you to healing. Be quick to seek help along this difficult path. You are not alone. Together we can make it.

Remember, Jesus is reaching out with this loving invitation: Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 29

Dear Beloved,

How are your hearts, minds, bodies, and souls as we move towards Holy week - a week that can be filled with many emotions - remembering the way Jesus was welcomed by some into Jerusalem with branches waving and Hosannas singing, how he broke bread and washed feet, how he was betrayed and abandoned by dear friends and crowds of followers, how he suffered, died, and was buried…. In this season more than any other year I have felt held by the great cloud of witnesses in all my emotions of life this winter. As I approach this holy week with openness, I give thanks for the saints of past and present of Salem UCC in Toledo, Ohio, including my mom and dad who will always be my first pastor and teachers, who shaped my early faith formations in a way that made holy week so very sacred and special. Words of gratitude are not enough, but I offer them with prayers of love and thanksgiving, and I invite you to reach out and thank someone who has encouraged you at some point in your lifetime - a teacher, friend, family member, mentor, coach, colleague, classmate, author, artist, counselor, student… May you know you are not alone in whatever emotions you bring to Holy week and/or experience during Holy week. God is with us in it all. We are with each other. May you feel the peace and grace of our Creator, Redeemer, and Guide this Holy week and as we seek to live in the loving ways of Jesus, so that all may know they are beloved children of God.

With gratitude,

   Sarah 

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2     Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 22

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me that vulnerability connects us to others. We live in a social media dominated world where we post pictures of the beautiful places we visit, the exciting events we attend, and the interesting people we know. There is nothing wrong with sharing these highlights, as long as we are honest about the lowlights too.

It is easy to give the impression that everything is fun and exciting. We get a lot of followers that way. We are admired and envied. But on every life some rain falls. When I am honest and open about the rain and storms in my life, I find authentic connection with others. In shared pain we discover the compassion to help one another. Honest sharing and active listening are the seedbed for healing and the renewing of our lives and our relationships.

Remember, Jesus said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Sharing the fullness of our life experiences, the highs and the lows, is the path to solidarity, comfort, and peace.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 15

Dear Beloved,

How are you a bit more than two weeks into the season of Lent? Have any particular ideas or spiritual practices been emerging for you or nourishing you? I appreciate the theme of the Sunday messages focusing on courage. The stories we are hearing and exploring together inspire me and give me hope. One of the Lenten devotionals that I have been studying suggested trying to connect with creativity in a new way. As a person not gifted in the area of music but greatly appreciative of music and people with musical gifts, I decided to pick a theme song for my journey with God this Lenten season. I thought the hymn was called Grant Us Courage, Grant Us Wisdom, but the actual name is God of Grace and God of Glory  - grateful the emphasis on our Glorious and Gracious God who is the Giver of courage and wisdom. The first verse of this hymn is below (page 464 in the Chalice Hymnal found in the pews in the sanctuary of Friedens’ church building. It led me to offer this prayer.  

God of dust and ashes, thank you for your grace and glory. Thank you for our humanity - for designing us with sacred limits. Thank you for offering us strength for loving you and all you have created through the Spirit’s outpouring of power - for the breath of divinity with which you create us. Thank you for the story of your church from generation to generation. Thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who hold us and encourage us through the indwelling of Jesus. Please help us to live with courage each hour that we may honor you with all we are and do. We love you and want to serve you and love and one another with all we are and in all we do. Amen.

God of grace and God of glory,

On Thy people pour Thy power.

Crown Thine ancient Church’s story,

Bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

For the facing of this hour,

For the facing of this hour.

I appreciate you! May you feel the compassion of our Maker, Savior, and Sojourner filling you through the ordinary and extraordinary moments of each our hour this season and always. 

 With gratitude,

  Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 8

Lessons from Loss

Mourning my son’s death has taught me to turn toward the pain. I want to turn away. I want to get busy and think about other things. I want to go back to the way things were before.

Avoidance does not help. I know because I have tried. The only way to get to a place of acceptance and wellbeing with heartbreaking loss, is to go through the pain, to experience it. This takes help, time, perseverance, and patience. It is too much to do on our own.

How thankful I am to trust the Risen One, to have a loving spouse and family, a few longtime friends who understand, a caring church family, and the advice of health and wellness professionals. I am taking steps forward and sometimes backward on this journey of grief. I will get there, and you will too in your losses. Turn toward the pain and get help to move through it.

Be encouraged along this difficult journey, for we grieve as those who have hope (I Thessalonians 4:13).

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 1

Dear Beloved,

It was a blessing to be with you for the Ash Wednesday worship service and the Lenten lunch and chat.  Thank you to everyone who led, served, volunteered, and participated.  I am always grateful for new seasons in the liturgical calendar.  I am thankful to our ancestors in the faith who created it and the Spirit who inspired it.  I am thankful to our Creator who designs rhythms and seasons.  I am thankful for Jesus who we seek to follow and grow closer to during this current liturgical season of Lent which offers special intentional space for preparing our whole being to remember his crucifixion and death and to celebrate and give thanks for his resurrection.  I pray that each of us can find ways to open ourselves to God’s love and guidance in new and renewed ways during this season.  I am grateful for the sermon theme for this season - Hearts Afire - Living with Courage.  

Where do you find courage?  How or where is God calling you to lean into the courage we can find through and in partnership with the Spirit?  Please feel free to reach out to Pastor Marc or me if you’d ever like to pray together about God’s gifts of courageous compassion.  May you feel encouraged and uplifted by God’s grace and peace in this season.  

With gratitude,

   Sarah

PS - I’ve really appreciated the verse from Mark that Pastor Marc has been inviting us to join in at the beginning our Sunday worship time together.  You might enjoy meditating on the same story from the book of Matthew (Chapter 14, verses 22-36).  May it remind you of the courage and peace Jesus offers us as you reflect on it. 

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Feb. 15

Dear Beloved,

The season of Lent begins in a little less than a week from now. Growing up, I was taught that Lent is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) of preparation for Jesus' death and resurrection which we celebrate on Easter and throughout the season of Eastertide. I was taught that it is a season of reflection and repentance beginning with Ash Wednesday when the symbol of ashes is offered as a connection with our mortality and God's everlasting mercy.

We hope you will join us for the Lenten lunch and chat on Sunday, Feb 15th for a time of connecting over a meal and exploring what Lent means to each of us in 2026 and how we might follow Jesus in this season this year. We also invite you to the Ash Wednesday worship service on Wednesday, Feb 18th at 7:30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to sing, to meditate as the choir and worship team lead us, to join in communion, and to receive ashes in the sign of a cross on your hand or forehead if you would like. 

You may also be interested in using this free devotional from Bread for the World. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out.

May you know you are a cherished and treasured child of God today, throughout the upcoming season of Lent and always.

With gratitude and hope,

 Sarah

Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever. (Psalm 40:11)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Feb 8

Some thoughts on the Bible…

In our tradition there is not one universally accepted interpretation of the Bible. God has given each of us a mind for thinking, opportunities for learning, and experiences for testing what we have learned. Just as we are responsible for our own actions, so we are responsible for our own thinking.

I do my best to share my studied interpretations of the weekly scripture lessons. My interpretation is meant to  provide some reliable guidance as you form your own interpretation. I have found that my interpretations are constantly growing and changing as I learn and experience more as a disciple. I would imagine the same will be true for you.

Remember, “the proof is in the pudding.” The outcome of scripture is to equip the people of God for good work (2 Timothy 3:17). The application of your interpretation should result in the good work of Jesus—kindness, justice, and humble acts of service to God and others. Good interpretations will result in good actions.

I am always pleased to hear your interpretations or to take questions about mine. Let’s learn together.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Feb. 1

Greetings Beloved,

How are you as we near the end of the first month of 2026?  When I began writing this note to you, I was preparing for Epiphany and thinking about the Epiphany story that I grew up with about the magi from Matthew 2.  This story leads me to feel a mix of emotions that resonate with how my heart and soul feel - deep sorrow and deep awe, much sadness and much gratitude, a multitude of concerns and the steadying peace of Jesus that surpasses all human understanding…Now as I continue this note to you just a few weeks away from the beginning of the season of Lent, I feel a similar mix of emotions, and I continue to give thanks to God that Jesus understands them all.  The children and I often talk about the ways we can experience all the emotions together (or as some have said of me, “Your emotions have emotions.”).  God cares for us in and through them all.  God holds us and journeys with us no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey, no matter what our emotions may be.  God does not leave us or forsake us, and God offers us support through the gifts of community, through the comforting word of scripture, through the still small voice of calm made known in the seen and unseen love and mercy of God.  What spiritual practices or circles of support help you feel connected to God and God’s love as we journey through this life filled with many emotions?  I hope and pray that you can start each day with the reminder that you are a loved child of God.  Maybe like me, you’ll find comfort, peace, and hope in the words Pastor Marc has been guiding us in as we begin worship together on Sunday mornings from Mark 6 - “Take heart.  It is I.  Do not be afraid.”  Perhaps there is someone you can share these words of peace and encouragement with this week.  If there are specific ways we can be praying with or for you, please always feel free to reach out and share them with us.  We give thanks for you.

With hope and gratitude,

Sarah

“I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy”   (Philippians 1:3-4)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Jan4

Dear Beloved,

As we begin a new year together, I want to thank you for the past year of worshipping and serving God together. It is truly a joy to worship with you on Sunday mornings. It is a blessing to serve with you. Thank you for all the ways you give generously to the general fund, to food ministries, and to special requests from the community. Thank you for all the ways you share your time, energy, hearts, souls, patience, kindness, talents, ideas, and compassion. Thank you for all the ways you reflect the love, grace, and faith of Jesus. Thank you for all the ways you welcome and include each other and new people. Thank you for inviting people to join you for worship and serving. Thank you for being willing to grow and learn together. Thank you for being open and attentive to what God's Spirit is doing and wants to do among and through us. Thank you for your prayers for each other, the community, and the world God so dearly cherishes. Praises be to God for who God is and God's love that forms us and guides us. May you feel this love as this new year begins and all the way through 2026. New Year's Blessings!

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:3-6)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Dec 28

Some thoughts on the Bible…

I find it helpful to think of the Bible not as a book but as a library of books. Just like our local library, we find in the Bible many different authors and genres of literature written over a long period of time.

Some of the books tell the origin story of the people of God, like Exodus. Some are a collection of commands, like Leviticus. Some are letters, like Romans. Some are messages of good tidings to form disciples, like the Gospels. Some are songs and poems, like the Psalms. Some are parables, like Jonah. Some probe the mystery of the Divine, like Genesis. Some ask the most vexing questions, like Job. All of them in varying ways reveal something of God and what it means to be in relationship with our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, and Savior.

I invite you to join me in exploring the rich library of the Bible in scripture readings and sermons during worship.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Dec 21

Dear Beloved,

Grace and peace to you in this third week of the Advent season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus anew! What has caught your attention so far this season? How are you preparing to welcome Jesus into your life for the first time or again or in new or different ways? 

The word hope continues to resonate with me. When I asked the Treasure Seeker children what hope means to them on the first Sunday of Advent, one said hope is ideas. One said it is family and friends. I have been giving thanks for their insights. I am grateful for God’s gifts of hope made known in ideas - hopeful and helpful ideas that come to me directly and ideas that people share with me. How can we respond when hopeful ideas seem to escape us, when despair comes fast and furious trying to dash away hope? How can we be friends, family, members, and neighbors who reflect God’s hope even when we feel hopeless?

 Here are some practices that help me. Maybe one or more of them would be helpful to you.

Be gentle with yourself. It is okay when we feel hopeless. All our emotions are okay. What we do with them matters. If we feel a hopelessness that is depression, we can reach out to a trusted person in our lives and/or professionals. 

Rest. When I become fatigued, hopelessness comes more quickly. God offers us the gift of night for rest (or if you are a night worker - thank you - we pray you get rest during your sleep time). God offers us the gift of Sabbath.

Pray, read the Bible or a devotional book or site, or worship with others or individually with God.

Spend time in God’s creation or in the arts (sing, dance, draw, paint, sculpt) or in movement (play, breathe, stretch, walk)

Take five minutes to do something that brings you joy.

Thank God for whatever is good.

Remember people and organizations working for healing, wholeness, and positive changes. 

May you feel and share God’s hope this season. May you always know you are a loved and loving child of God.

Sarah

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Dec 14

Some thoughts on the Bible…

In our tradition we often say, “we take the Bible seriously but not literally.” Since we believe what the Bible says about itself in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we understand the Bible to be inspired by God, not written by God. Since the Bible is the result of people who were inspired by God, I do not take each word in the Bible to be the literal and infallible word of God. Remember, the Bible teaches that the “word” of God is actually Jesus the Christ, our Risen Savior (John 1:1-16). The Bible is a way to connect with Jesus.

As I have studied the Bible carefully, I have learned about the various authors, their historical contexts, and their unique perspectives and purposes that shape the way they tell the stories of the Bible. For example, we do not have one story of Jesus in the Bible, but we have four stories. Each story is different reflecting the unique backgrounds and experiences of each author. These differences connect with different people in different ways that lead each one to the commitment of discipleship. This diversity is enriching, filling in a fuller picture of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him.

I invite you to join me in a serious study of the Bible. It is a tried-and-true path to discipleship.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Dec 7

Dear Beloved,

Grace and peace to you in this first week of the Advent season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus anew!  This past Sunday we lit the candle of hope.  In another recent note to you, I was reflecting upon hope.  I am continuing to ponder hope as Pastor Marc shared with us visions from the prophets.  

How do you understand hope?  Where does it come from?  What do you do with it?  Please feel free to share any of your reflections on hope, your favorite verses or stories, or your favorite songs of hope.

For me, hope is first a gift from God!  I am deeply thankful for the gift of hope - hope helps me and guides me through each day - through my little daily tasks and the deep concerns that I have close in my heart that stretch way beyond.  I can imagine that hope might be something that I meditate on with the Spirit through 2026 and maybe also with you.  In addition to a gift from God, the words and feelings that come to me in the present moment are - Hope is praise, petition, art, advocacy, vision, and mission.  As I praise God for the gift of hope, I pray that we may grow in hope and share hope with all this season.  May you know you are a loved child of God. 

With gratitude and hope, 

Sarah

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  (Psalm 25:5)