“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they understand and know me.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Dear Church Family,

I am Pastor Sophia. This week, I found myself thinking about something simple but important: people naturally talk about what they love.

Sports fans proudly wear their team jerseys even after a heartbreaking loss.
Grandparents happily show the same pictures of their grandchildren over and over again. (I tis amazing that somehow every picture is “the cutest one yet.”)
People talk excitedly about new restaurants, new phones, new diets, and sometimes even their favorite brand of coffee as if it changed their entire life.

When we love something deeply, we naturally speak about it.

On the story of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7, Stephen lived during a difficult and divided time, yet his life reflected courage, compassion, wisdom, and deep faith in Jesus Christ. Even under pressure, he did not lose his love for God or his love for people.

As I prepared for this Sunday, I began asking myself:
“What fills my heart so much that it naturally comes out through my words and actions?”

That is an important question for all of us.

Our world gives us many reasons to become fearful, discouraged, angry, or distracted. Sometimes we become so busy surviving life that we forget the joy of simply belonging to God. We worry about finances, health, politics, family struggles, schedules, and endless responsibilities. Some days we are so tired that even finding matching socks in the morning feels like a spiritual battle.

But in the middle of ordinary life, God reminds us:
“You are My child.”
“You are not alone.”
“My grace is still enough for you.”

This Sunday we will learn how to live with courage and faith in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction.

I hope you will come worship with an open heart.
Come if your week was joyful.
Come if your week was difficult.
Come if your faith feels strong.
Come even if your faith feels tired.

God meets people in all kinds of conditions.

In many ways, we can reflect Christ to each other more than you realize.

I am looking forward to worshiping, praying, laughing, and growing together this Sunday.

May God fill your week with peace, strength, and hope. Amen.