January 1, 2026

Blessings to you, Grace family, and Happy New Year!

The Gospel of John opens with these beautiful words: “The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” Through my work with faith and neighboring practices, this verse has become a guiding light for me. It reminds me that God is already at work in our neighborhoods—present, active, and near. Our call is not to bring God with us, but to join in what God is already doing, stepping out with open eyes and hearts to seek and discover God among our neighbors.

At the same time, many of us look at our neighborhoods and feel concern. We see division. We see neighbors who do not have enough. We feel the weight of uncertainty and struggle that surrounds us.

And yet, our faith does not allow us to remain stuck in the darkness. Instead, it calls us to be part of the light—to participate in God’s healing, justice, and hope, right here and right now. God’s kingdom is not only something we wait for; it is something we live into.

God declares in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing!” As we step into this new year together, may we trust that God is already at work—making a way, renewing what is weary, and inviting us to join in the new thing God is bringing to life among us and around us.

Pastor Maria