This week I am spending quality time amongst the Redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains of Northern California.  This is one of my favorite places ON EARTH!  I love the smell, the crisp morning air, and being able to spend time basking in the beauty of God’s creation! 

I am attending an annual pastor’s conference with many friends and colleagues that I attended seminary with decades ago.  It is always such a wonderful time to connect with colleagues, share ministry resources, support one another, laugh together, and “unplug” from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

My goal for this week away is twofold.  First, is to rest!  To take time to let my mind and body relax after the busyness leading up to Easter.  Second, is to reset!  To find my center and retune myself – body, mind, and spirit – so that I am restored and ready to give my best to serving God at Emmanuel.

As a part of this week, I will be circling back to focus on my star word for 2024,  Imagine!  I will continue to dream and think of all the possibilities we can achieve when we rely on God to fulfill them.  I will continue to ponder new ways to partner with our leaders and with you on how to make them a reality.  I believe this is such a great word for this year as we continue this adventure of ministry together.  As we reflect on who we are as a church and imagine the possibilities as we begin to live that out together. 

On Sunday, April 21, I invite you to join in worship and be prepared to stay after for a “State of the Church address.”  Our Treasurer, Tom Jenney will give us a brief report on how we are doing financially thus far this year.  We are also planning a time for Q & A as we look forward and dream together about who we are as a church and how God is using us in our community.  I believe this is an important conversation for the life of our community of faith and look forward to hearing from you.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.  What a great reminder that God is able to do so much more than we could possibly imagine…when we let God be God!  What a beautiful word of encouragement to put our hopes and dreams in the hands of the One who created the world!  What a wonderful thought to continue to carry forward as we look to  a future into this new year that is filled with so much opportunity and potential!

Blessings,

Pastor Jenni

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:21)

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