Note From the Pastor

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) 

Since March of last year, our world has been turned upside down by COVID. The toll it has taken on all of us is tangible and real. At the same time, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Infection rates in New York are at an all-time low, people are getting vaccinated, and regulations are starting to lift. While we slowly but surely continue to open things up within our church, there is hope as we move toward the future.

So why is it that for some people (including myself), the effects of COVID on our mental, emotional, and even spiritual state still linger? I’ve found myself wondering why I still feel so burdened and tired when everything is pointing in the right direction. If some of you are feeling like I am (although I hope and pray you are NOT!) I wanted to offer some encouragement. Several weeks ago, I started a six-week sermon series on “Getting Unstuck: Moving from Floundering to Flourishing.” The motivation behind these series of sermons was to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. According to the scriptures, I believe that discipleship is the key that unlocks the door to the promises that Christ offers, including abundant life. 

In the times of Jesus, children would leave their family and homes in order to follow a rabbi who had chosen them as disciples. It was a tremendous honor but required the utmost commitment. The goal of all disciples was to one day become like their rabbi – walking, talking, and living like the one they chose to follow. 

I believe the reason so many people including Christians are struggling to live a life filled with meaning, power, and joy is because the key aspects to being an authentic disciple are not evident in their lives. Things like being rooted in the knowledge of the scriptures, forming a deep and intimate prayer life, experiencing vulnerable and authentic Christian community, and living out a life of purpose and meaning through practicing mission and evangelism are missing in our lives. 

I invite all of you to join me over the next few weeks in re-committing yourselves to a life of true discipleship. The power and joy that Christ himself experienced can be ours as well as we grow to become more like our rabbi! Join me every Sunday as we take this journey of moving from floundering to flourishing. 

                                        In Christ, 
                                        Pastor Kim