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As we step into another Sabbath together, I’m reminded again of what a gift it is to belong to a church family like ours. Church is so much more than a building or a program—it’s the people, the relationships, and the way we build each other up in faith and love. That’s where the real strength of a church lies.
One of the ways we nurture that strength is through prayer. Prayer connects us to God, yes—but it also draws us closer to each other. Think about it: when was the last time you prayed with someone, not just for them? Those moments of shared prayer often bring the kind of encouragement and closeness that words alone can’t.
I’ve also been thinking about the power of simply sharing our stories. Every one of us has a journey with Jesus, and when we take the time to ask, we discover how God has been at work in ways we might never have imagined. When was the last time you asked someone how they came to know Jesus? Or what God is doing in their life right now? Sometimes their story of faith can become exactly the encouragement we need in our own walk with Him.
Last Sabbath was such a beautiful reminder of this. What a blessing it was to hear the testimonies and celebrate four people choosing to follow Jesus through baptism. Hearing their stories, seeing their courage, and witnessing their joy reminds us of how powerful it is when God transforms a life. Let’s be a family that encourages that transformation, who highlights it, seeks it and celebrates it.
I also want to take a moment to say thank you. So many of you gave of your time, energy, and gifts to make the day so special—not just for those who were baptized, but for our whole church family. To our AV team, our deacons and deaconesses, our welcome team, our hospitality crew, our elders, our music team, and everyone else working behind the scenes —thank you. From setting up to serving food, from leading us in worship to making sure everything ran smoothly, you each played a part. Sharing lunch together, enjoying good conversations, and worshipping side by side made the day feel like a true family celebration.
What a blessing it was to end the day with a moving concert with Hyden Wiseman, whose gift on the violin lifted our hearts in worship. A big thank you also to our worship coordinator for creating the space for it all to happen. The music stirred our souls and reminded us once again of the goodness of the One we worship.
As we look ahead, let’s keep leaning into this—being prayerful, being relational, and being intentional in looking out for one another. Take a moment this Sabbath to step out of your usual circle and get to know someone new. Ask about their story. Pray with them. Encourage them. Because that’s what our family does—and that’s how we grow stronger together in Christ.
With gratitude and love, Malin Andersen
