From the Pastor: May 2025

Dear Friends, 

Last December, Cindy and I were at the manse decorating our tree for Christmas when I happened to glance out the window.  An older couple was walking along the sidewalk, and suddenly the woman stumbled and sank to the ground, her elderly husband struggling to support her as she toppled.  I called out to Cindy, and we rushed out to help, and by the time we made it out onto the lawn neighbors from two or three other houses were running out to offer aid.  There was literally a crowd of people helping this woman to her feet.  Thankfully, she was all right, and I was struck with gratitude to God for living in a community of people willing to help—not to mention the rather interesting “coincidence” that all of us seemed to be looking out our windows at exactly the right moment to respond to neighbors in need.  We live in a village full of people ready to help.

Today Rummage is in full swing, and I’ve gotten to hear from several volunteers how much they love it, even though it’s organized madness and a lot of hard work.  What they love about it is that it serves our community in so many ways.  The money we raise helps dozens of charitable organizations who do vital mission caring for those in need, our lower-income neighbors are able to buy much-needed treasures at a very low cost, we are recycling and reusing possessions that might go into landfills, and our KPC family grows in strength of spirit and fellowship as we come together to pull this off.  I marvel at the number of people buzzing about in this beehive of love.  They, too, are answering that call from God and neighbor to help.  

Every day on the news we hear fresh reports of local and global neighbors in need, and I hear from you an aching empathy and love that calls you to help.   I’m so grateful to everyone who is getting involved in resettling refugees, reaching out to political leaders, rallying for peace and justice, lifting up the fallen and giving voice to the silenced, feeding the hungry and easing the burden of the incarcerated.

On Easter Sunday we heard trumpets and brass, voices and bells proclaiming with exultant joy the resurrection of our Lord.  It was beautiful and inspiring.  But the true proclamation of resurrection in the world today is happening in everyone rushing to help.  All around us is a spring of blossoms and new growth, and a vital family making God’s love visible in so many ways.

Though someone may stumble, they will not fall, 

for God upholds them by the Divine hand.  Psalm 37:4

The church is the body of Christ, and ours are the hands of God.  He is Risen!  And he is Rising when we respond to the world in love.  Thank you, and thanks be to God.

Love and light,

Martin