Dear Familia,

I would like to begin by saying “muchas gracias” for your recent support, prayers, and love sent my way as my father, Pastor Ali, suffered a medical episode last Sunday just a couple of hours before I had to show up to preach at our church! Thank you for being the familia I needed to hold space for this. From Pastor Bobby preparing a sermon in a pinch to your words of encouragement via text, meals, and presence. Papá is back home and recuperating under the careful watch of family and his cardiologist. We are hopeful for a full recovery!

In October we have several things planned to pursue joy together, like Serena and Jen leading us on a Hike on October 29 which will become a monthly occurrence! A musical surprise and guest preacher that you all don’t want to miss. We also hope to lead a Kintsugi workshop later in the year as an embodied act of spiritual formation and healing. So keep an eye out for various opportunities to engage in fun, laughter, and rest!

As we look to the Fall, we’d love to continue to find more people willing to help in various ways throughout the church. Whether that’s with kids in Younger People’s Church, helping with Hospitality or the Greeting Team, or perhaps the Tech Crew or Set-up/Tear Down Squad. There are many ways to serve in this space as one Body. If you’re feeling led to pursue one (or more) of these areas, please fill out this form.

In the next two weeks, we will be providing various opportunities for you to engage in small groups, so keep an eye out as we will share the list soon. We long to move towards God and towards each other and find the grace to grow. If hosting or leading a group like that sounds like something you’d be interested in, fill out this form to get the conversation started.

Finally, we have a slight change of plans and need to reschedule our usual First Sunday Food & Fellowship, so we will not be doing that post-church today. We will instead reschedule it for next week after church on October 9th! Nevertheless, do not let this keep you from grabbing a friend and breaking bread spontaneously together!

Familia, God is going ahead of us and creating spaces for us to gather, to draw near to God, and to each other. I am thrilled to see the leadership of hearts opening up their time and homes to host us in safe and brave spaces to live into the love of Jesus.

Gracia y paz,

Inés