Happy sabbath, church family!
It’s so good to be back home after a couple of weeks away! It has been a busy but wonderful season, and I’m especially happy to write to you today not just as Malin, but as Mrs Mariner! We had a beautiful wedding celebration surrounded by family and friends, full of joy, love, laughter, and so many precious memories. We are incredibly grateful for the way God blessed the whole occasion, and we want to thank you, our church family, for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this season. Being home again has brought me a sense of peace.
Home looks different for each of us. For some, it is a physical house or a particular neighbourhood. For others, it is the people we love, our church family, a familiar routine, or simply a collection of memories that makes us feel like we belong. Whatever “home” means to you, there is something comforting about knowing where you belong.
And yet, our earthly homes are never completely permanent. We move, families grow and change, children leave home, relationships change, and life brings unexpected transitions and losses. Even when everything feels settled, we know that circumstances can change. The places and people we call home in this life are precious, but they are not forever.
That is what makes Jesus’ words in John 14 so beautiful. Knowing His disciples were facing uncertainty and significant change, Jesus said:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
What a promise! Jesus doesn't simply tell us not to be afraid, He gives us an alternative and somewhere to look. He reminds us that there is a home being prepared for us that is not temporary or dependent on circumstances. It is a permanent home with God.
Perhaps this is what makes being part of a church family so special. When we gather on Sabbath, check in on one another, pray together, worship together, and share life with one another, we experience a little glimpse of that belonging. Church is not just another weekly routine; it is a reminder that we don't have to walk through life alone. We belong to a family, and together we are looking forward to the same home.
So whatever season you find yourself in, whether life feels settled and joyful, or whether you are navigating a difficult transition, remember that your circumstances do not determine where you belong.
You belong to God.
And because you belong to Him, you have a home that cannot be taken away. Jesus has promised that He is preparing a place for you, and one day He will come to take us home.
Until then, may we continue to create little glimpses of that home here through welcoming one another, carrying each other’s burdens, celebrating together, and pointing each other toward Jesus.
Wishing you all a blessed and restful Sabbath!
Malin Andersen
