From the Pastor: May 2026

Dear Friends,

Some years ago, I was talking with a friend on the phone about how tough it is sometimes to shake off the doldrums, depressions and distresses that come with life and the daily news.  I told her how one time I had been feeling down and out, but had gotten into a conversation with someone else who needed a kind word, and lo and behold I said exactly the right thing to lift his spirits.  I was actually surprised in that moment, saying (in my head, of course): “Wow, that’s very insightful – where did that come from?”  Of course I knew where it came from.  Whenever something loving pops into our heads or hearts unbidden, we know it is that still small voice of the Holy Spirit.  My friend on the phone said that whenever she experiences those beautiful moments of epiphany, when God steps in with love and encouragement just when she or someone else needs it, she calls them “new mercies,” hearkening back to that old favorite hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

    Great is Thy faithfulness!

    Great is Thy faithfulness!

    Morning by morning new mercies I see;

    All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

    Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

         Honestly, as many times as I’ve sung that hymn, I had never seen those new mercies in just that way.  In fact, my friend sharing her insight with me was one of those very new mercies reaching out to me.  God is gracious and merciful indeed to whisper sweet somethings of hope in the darkness.  Isn’t it wonderful how it works?  I was feeling low, talking to someone else who was low, and God gave me a new mercy for him that lifted us both up.  Then when I shared that new mercy with another friend, she in turn gave me a new mercy that lifted us both.  And that’s how the world gets changed, my friends, one mercy at a time.  Another great hymn is “Lead On, O King Eternal,” which tells us, “For not with swords' loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums; With deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.”

          Keep your eyes, ears, hearts and minds open for new mercies of God’s great faithfulness.  It is indeed great, and it is unlimited, if we but choose to see.

    Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

    Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

    Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

    Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

With joy and thanksgiving,

In love and light,

Martin