I know a lot of the time, enforcing them can feel pretty yucky, and I think that is likely the main reason why they can be so darn tough. If keeping and enforcing them feels so yucky, then why do we do it? Well friends, even Jesus had boundaries.

People wanted Jesus to be a celebrity or even a ruler (John 6:15), but He never gave into what people wanted Him to do. He stuck with what God sent Him to do. If the crowds became too much, He would withdraw to spend time alone with God. This models how boundaries are used to help us abide in God, and His teachings. Not crossing that boundary also showed where His priorities were: with God and not with fame, popularity, or the people who wanted Him to be those things. Jesus also kept this boundary, even if others did not understand it.

There are boundaries in all relationships as well, whether it be the boundaries you set at work, with friends, or with your spouse. Boundaries at work keep us from burning out, and safe. Boundaries with friends keep you from doing things you would not normally want to do, and they keep the friendships from fracturing or breaking. Boundaries with your spouse keep trust flowing and the relationship strong.

The Ten Commandments given to Moses are God’s boundaries for our lives, and all types of relationships. These boundaries help preserve relationships among all people and keep us in a good place. While boundaries may feel hard sometimes, God designed them to help keep us safe, healthy, and abiding in Him.

​In His Name, Kyler

time to repair, recover and rejuvenate. 

Now our good, good Father has blessed us again with another amazing captain, Pastor McLane Stone. Knowing that the Lord is going before us, the Nominating Committee is inviting leaders to come along-side Pastor McLane, pulling the oars in unison or when necessary, to ‘sleep in the boat’, as modeled by Jesus.
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As your Nominating Committee, elected by the congregation, we are tasked by the Book of Order to nominate and recommend for election “ruling elders and deacons who express the rich diversity of the congregation’s membership”.

​If you are interested in knowing more about these leadership service opportunities, please introduce yourself to any of the Nominating Committee members: Buzz Hays, Suzy Jolley, Carolyn Peterson, Emily Rogers, or Yvette Wyatt.  

​In joyful service of Jesus Christ,
Your Nominating Committee 
Buzz Hays | Suzy Jolley | Carolyn Peterson | Emily Rogers | Yvette Wyatt

changing every day, and she explores the world with such curiosity. While I'm soaking in every moment, in the moment, I often wonder who she'll be as she grows … who God created her to be. Then I pause and wonder the same of myself.

In a shifting season, how has God already equipped me to live fully and purposefully into the role of her Mama? What new things will God reveal to Tyler and me as we embark on this journey of parenthood? It’s an adventure I’m so thankful to be living. She is so wonderfully made, and so am I, and so are each of us. Let's walk together in that truth, and discover the full purposes for which we have been fearfully and wonderfully made.

In His Name, Kierstie

back and forth to that scenic spot. There was even a park  ranger there, chatting with passersby. Clearly, the outcropping was safe, but my fear kicked in.

I warned Carolyn not to go, then I gave her up to the Lord and turned my back, expecting never to see her or my friends alive again. I headed towards a safer spot with a panoramic view in practically every direction. The only thing that stood between me and that view was a ledge just above me. From my vantage point below, it seemed like the ledge dropped off into nothingness for thousands of feet. I was frozen. I just stood there and wrestled with my fear and resolve. I could just skip it and go back, but I knew that we wouldn’t be here ever again. Besides, after this, I would be busy collecting the bodies of my wife and friends from the bottom of the ravine that I was sure they had fallen into by now; so I thought I better try to see the view. The goal of the view gave me the courage and strength to leave my spot of safety and face the challenging few steps immediately before me.  As I stepped up to the amazing view, I was about to shout a cry of victory. But, I was cut short by two teenagers in flip flops who hopped up beside me, took a selfie, and ran back down past me shouting encouragingly, “Dude, it’s not that bad!” I sheepishly followed them back down the path where I found Carolyn and our friends chatting with the ranger.

As Carolyn and I pack up and head back to San Diego, all of you are about to climb out on a ledge overlooking a fantastic vista. You are about to get a glimpse of the future with Pastor McLane arriving. Some of you may have a few fears; others may be cautiously optimistic; and some are so excited that you can hardly wait for September 18th (Pastor McLane’s first Sunday). All of those are appropriate feelings. As one who has been at this “ledge” multiple times, I am confident that the “vista” ahead is going to be magnificent. Yes, there is work to be done. And, everyone is going to have to get used to the new “us.” And, by Christmas, you are going to be so excited to invite friends to experience God’s love at this amazing church, its new-found enthusiasm and the fabulous view ahead.
In the words of some wise young adults, “Dude, it’s not that bad.”

I’ve just finished a letter to our elders summarizing some of the accomplishments all of you have made together during the last year. You can read it here August 23 2022 letter to Session.

In His Name, Pastor Neal