Where I've Seen the Church Being the Church

My dear friends,

In my Christmas note to you, I shared how struck I’ve been by the many quiet ways this congregation cares for one another. As I’ve reflected on my first weeks of ministry in 2026, one simple question keeps returning to me:

Where have I seen the church being the church?

Over these past days, the answer has been everywhere.

Many of you know that several members of our staff have been facing significant health challenges — Raicheal’s recovery from a serious concussion, Noelle’s recent hospitalization, and others navigating difficult seasons of care. What has stood out to me is not simply that needs were met, but how quickly and naturally this congregation moved toward one another.

When Raicheal needed support, the Central Sisters mobilized almost immediately — ensuring meals were shared, rides were coordinated, and daily burdens were eased so healing could take priority. I know from conversations with Raicheal how deeply this care has mattered, especially as Kyle carries much of the parenting and transportation during this season.

When Noelle was first hospitalized and Denny was out of town, a simple phone call led to one of our deacons sitting quietly at her bedside — listening, bearing witness, receiving information, and offering presence when it was most needed. There was no fanfare, no checklist — just faithful attentiveness.

And throughout the week, I’ve heard story after story: rides to treatments, meals shared with those in rehab, visits offered without being asked. These moments rarely announce themselves. They don’t seek recognition. But they reveal something true.

This is what it looks like when people belong to one another. 

This is how care moves through a community. 

This is the beauty of the body of Christ lived out among us.

As I look ahead to 2026, I’ve realized that I’d like to keep returning to this question with you. My intention is to write to you each month with this same simple lens in mind:

Where have I seen the church being the church?

These reflections won’t be reports or announcements. They’ll simply be brief stories — small scenes and ordinary moments where care, faithfulness, and love quietly take shape among us. Often these moments pass unseen, yet they are where church-community is most fully alive.

My hope is that, together, we can keep noticing what God is already doing in our midst — and give thanks for the many ways we find our place in this shared life.

I am deeply grateful to serve a congregation where care travels so freely and where the church so often shows up in ordinary, faithful ways.

With gratitude, 

Michael