Greetings! As I begin serving with you this fall, I thought I might share a little about myself—and about how I understand the work we share as the church. I have been a pastor for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of settings, from campus ministry to larger congregations to small rural churches. Each place has been different, but over the years I have become convinced that some of the most important things the church does are also among the simplest. We care for one another—paying attention to the people around us, especially when someone is hurting, lonely, grieving, or simply needs a friend. We pray together—bringing our joys, worries, hopes, and fears before God and trusting that God is listening. We study the Bible together—not because we expect to have all the answers, but because we believe God continues to speak to us through Scripture. And we worship together—gathering around Word and Sacrament, singing and praying, and hearing again the good news of Jesus Christ. That probably tells you something about my pastoral style. I believe ministry is something we do together. A pastor can encourage, teach, preach, visit, and help lead—but the life of a congregation grows through the relationships we build with one another and through our shared life in Christ. As I begin this time with you, I’m looking forward to getting to know you, hearing your stories, praying with you, opening Scripture together, and joining you in worship. I’m grateful for the welcome I’ve already received, and I look forward to what God will do among us in the months ahead. God's peace, Pastor Steven