May/June Newsletter

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

As I write this article, it is raining. Once again, it is raining. The rain seems to be non-stop. I have felt an internal conflict with God over all this rain. Spoiler alert, God does win! The juxtaposition of the beauty of rain and the damage it can inflict is a poignant metaphor that reflects the duality of nature and life itself and leaves me reflective.

This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of life. Just as rain can bring beauty and destruction, human experiences are often intertwined with both joy and sorrow. Acknowledging this duality encourages a deeper understanding of resilience—appreciating the beauty even amidst challenges and recognizing that from destruction can come growth and renewal. A painful process but, nevertheless, a beautiful outcome.

In literature and art, this theme is often explored to convey the nuances of human emotions and experiences, inviting reflection on how beauty and adversity coexist. Ultimately, the interplay of rain’s beauty and its potential for damage teaches us about balance, acceptance, and the intricate dance of nature. Water is so needed for our creation. Water is the lifeline for our babies to grow in their mother’s womb, yet the same water can be destructive and harmful, if too little or too much. This dance is not an easy one to find the rhythm of.

As I reflect on the recent flooding that affected the first floor of our church, my heart is filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. God never fails and in times of unexpected trials, it is often the community that rises to the occasion. White Oak, your response during this unexpected and difficult time truly exemplified the spirit of our congregation.

When we faced the challenges of such immediate and catastrophic flooding on the weekend of May 2nd, many of you stepped forward without hesitation. From offering your physical assistance in the cleanup efforts to providing financial support for repairs, your generosity and willingness to help were nothing short of inspiring. It is heartwarming to see how our church family comes together, embodying the love and compassion that we strive to live out in our daily lives. We truly are Better Together!

I want to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to manage the water and those who continue to work to restore our beloved space. Your hard work has made a significant difference, and we are now on a path to recovery and renewal. It is a reminder that even in challenging times, we are never alone; we have each other and our shared faith to guide us.

Additionally, let us take a moment to pray for those who have faced similar challenges in our community. May we continue to support one another, offering kindness and assistance wherever we can. Let us live out being Christ’s Church, not just saying we are the “church”. I have come to learn that “church” is a verb, not a noun!

As we move forward, let us also remember the lessons learned through this experience. Together, we have shown resilience and unity, qualities that define our congregation. I am thankful to serve as your pastor and honored to witness the strength of our faith community. I am grateful for your patience with me as I have grieved the loss and damage to our children’s space.

As many of you know, Charla and I spent many hours together in that space for the renovation and big reveal of the space back in 2021. So many wonderful memories seem to literally float past me that Friday night as I was bailing water from the children’s space. I was not sure if the water was coming from my tears or the rain outside. Just so much water overtaking the pieces of furniture that Charla and I learned to build together. Don’t ever tell two women, that something is impossible, because they will spend 27 straight hours to accomplish the task, just because they love a good challenge and want to look good while doing it!!

As those memories float past me, I realize that furniture can be ruined but replaced, and love can never be lost or forgotten.

Please join us this Sunday and every Sunday, as we gather to celebrate not only our recovery but also the in credible bonds we share. Together, we will continue to thrive, turning our challenges into testimonies of hope and strength for the Glory of God!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

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