Note from Pastor Jana As July brings long days and warm evenings, it also carries a deeper invitation—one that goes beyond backyard barbecues and family vacations. In a world that often feels uncertain, fastpaced, and heavy with anxiety, this season beckons us to pause and seek peace, not just in nature’s beauty but within ourselves and with God. The headlines are rarely quiet. War, division, climate fears, political unrest, economic pressures—these swirl around us like a storm we cannot stop. Even in our own communities and homes, anxiety takes root: Will our children be safe? Can we make ends meet? What will tomorrow bring? In moments like these, faith becomes not just a belief but an anchor. Jesus’ words in John 14:27 come gently but firmly: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” This peace is not escape from reality—it is God’s presence within it. It is the assurance that we are not alone, that our fears are seen, and that grace still flows through the cracks of every broken thing. Anxiety is real. It is not a weakness of faith but a signal that we are overwhelmed by things we were never meant to carry alone. As the Church, and as people shaped by the love of Christ, we are called to hold one another in these burdens. In prayer, in conversation, in silence, and in song, we find small practices that slowly steady the soul. This July, consider taking time to: • • • • Breathe deeply and pray simply. Even five minutes in the quiet can open space for God’s peace. Unplug for a while. The constant stream of information fuels anxiety. Choose moments of digital Sabbath. Check in with others. A phone call or a coffee shared can be a lifeline. Remember your baptism. You are claimed, known, and loved—nothing can separate you from that truth. The world may not calm anytime soon, but we can find peace in the One who walks with us through every storm. And in doing so, we become bearers of that peace to others. May July be more than a month of heat and activity. May it be a time of grounding, of trusting, and of noticing where God’s light still shines—even in the shadows. Grace and peace to you all. Pastor Jana
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