September/October Newsletter

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Finding Peace, Love, and Joy

Dear Friends of White Oak,

I want to share with you about the valuable time I recently spent away at the 5-Day Spiritual Academy at the beautiful Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. August 11-15^th. The theme for our week together was “Finding Peace, Love, and Joy in Today’s World,” and it could not have been more timely or more needed.

The Academy followed the rhythm of the Benedictine monastic tradition, which offers a sacred balance of silence, solitude, worship, liturgy, deep learning, heartfelt

community, and restorative free time. Each day we gathered in prayer—beginning with morning prayer, ending with night prayer, and sharing in the Eucharist before dinner each evening. This rhythm shaped our days and gave a holy framework for everything in between.

The days themselves provided space to pause, to go deeper, and to listen not only to the wisdom of our teachers and the voices of fellow participants, but also to the quiet whisper of God. I found myself in a community that was both ecumenical and

Spirit-filled, where differences faded, and the common bond of Christ brought us

together. I reunited with some old friends and made wonderful connections with new friends. 

For me, this time away was nothing short of transformational. It drew me closer to the heart of God. It renewed my spirit. It reminded me of the power of silence and prayer, of learning and worship, of community and solitude. I returned carrying new strength, deeper joy, and a renewed sense of peace and love to share with you, my church family. Only God could have known that I would need this renewed sense of strength to face the grief of losing my dear friend, Wetherly Kennedy on Saturday, August 23rd. My heart is still hurting and will continue to hurt, as grief has no set time frame or rules.

I am deeply grateful for this time apart and for your support in allowing me to step away for renewal. My prayer is that the fruits of this experience will overflow into my ministry with you—that together we may discover afresh the peace, love, and joy that Christ longs for us to know, even in the midst of loss and grief.

I will return to preach on Sunday, October 5^th and look forward to sharing worship and Holy Communion, together, as a family.

My Takeaway/ Devotional Thought to Share:

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”

This scripture captures the essence of pausing, breathing, and finding peace in God’s presence. I have heard this scripture countless times in the past 30 days, and I am still lingering on the mystery of God’s presence. Both through word and stillness.

In the stillness of prayer and the rhythm of worship, we are reminded that peace, love, and joy are not found in the world’s noise but in the presence of God. When we pause, breathe, and open our hearts, we discover that Christ is already here—renewing,

restoring, and drawing us closer to His heart.

Grace and peace,

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here.