Slideshow image

Dear friends in Christ,

As we turn the calendar to January, I want to begin with gratitude.

As a congregation, we ended the year about $11,000 short of our budget. That is not the number we hoped for—and it’s also not the end of the story. It does not erase the faithfulness, generosity, and love that filled this past year. And it certainly does not define who we are.

I am deeply grateful for everyone who gave as they were able, especially those who stepped forward in December to help close the gap as much as possible. Every gift—large or small—was an act of trust and care for this community we love.

What matters just as much as the bottom line is what we did together.

This past year, Lord of Life lived into its mission of Sharing God’s Love in real and tangible ways:

  • We gathered faithfully for worship—indoors, outdoors, and in new formats—creating space for joy, honesty, lament, and hope.
  • We welcomed neighbors and strangers through community meals, shared celebrations, and partnerships beyond our walls.
  • We supported one another through grief, illness, transition, and uncertainty with prayer, presence, and compassion.
  • We created meaningful moments—festivals, music, art, fellowship, and service—that reminded us we are not alone and that God is still at work among us.

Mission is not an abstract idea. Mission is what happens when people feel seen, known, and loved. Mission is when a church becomes a place of belonging. Mission is when generosity—of time, talent, and resources—helps change lives quietly and faithfully.

As we step into this new year, we do so clear-eyed and hopeful. We will continue to be thoughtful stewards of our resources. We will continue to listen, adapt, and dream. And most of all, we will continue to share God’s love—because that is who we are called to be.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your trust. And thank you for walking into the new year together, grounded in grace and guided by love.

With gratitude and hope,

Pastor Adam