June-July 2026

I blinked, and suddenly we are approaching the middle of summer. Much has happened in the life of our congregation, and there is still much to look forward to in the months ahead.
 
As I write this, our Pride Month observances will conclude next Sunday with a presentation by Sharon K. on what it means to be an ally. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Justin N. for sharing his story of coming out as a transgender man, Kat W. for offering a parent's perspective, and Larry G. for speaking about his experience of belonging.
 
It takes courage and vulnerability to share such personal stories, and each of these individuals reminded us of the transformative power of God's grace. Their witness reflects the truth of Paul's words: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us, and I am deeply grateful for the way our Resurrection family continues to embody that calling. Through welcome, compassion, and authentic relationships, we bear witness to God's expansive love and affirm that all people belong in the family of God.
 
We have also recently completed the second of our Town Hall Meetings to update the congregation on the progress of our Growing in Faith Together Land Use Plan. Through the listening sessions held last year and earlier this year, we received input from approximately 92% of the congregation. The Town Hall meetings provided an opportunity to share the priorities that emerged from those conversations, review the recommendations developed by our Campus Planning Team, and discuss preliminary cost estimates.
 
What excites me most about this process is not simply the projects themselves, but the vision behind them. Together, we are exploring how our four-acre campus can more fully support our mission, better serve those who use our property, and become an even greater blessing to our surrounding community. This summer we will continue evaluating the financial feasibility of these opportunities and discerning which steps God may be calling us to take next. If you were unable to attend one of the Town Hall meetings, copies of the informational flyer are available at the information kiosk.
 
Regarding meetings, there will be a brief Special Congregational Meeting immediately following worship on July 5th. During a recent required five-year inspection and testing of our fire sprinkler system, deficiencies were identified that must be addressed to maintain compliance with fire safety requirements. The anticipated cost of diagnosing the full extent of the issues and completing the necessary repairs exceeds the amount the Congregation Council is authorized to approve for unbudgeted expenses. Therefore, the congregation will be asked to consider the following motion:
       "WHEREAS, Resurrection Lutheran Church has failed the required five-year                 inspection and testing of its fire sprinkler system, resulting in deficiencies that           must be corrected to maintain compliance with fire safety requirements; and
 
     WHEREAS, the estimated cost of the required diagnosis and repairs exceeds the           amount that the Congregation Council is authorized to commit for expenditures          not included in the approved annual budget;
 
     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the congregation grants the Congregation               Council authority to enter into a contract with FPS Fire Protection Systems for            the diagnosis and repair of the fire sprinkler system in an amount not to exceed          $10,000, for the purpose of bringing the system into compliance with applicable           fire safety requirements."
 
Looking ahead, our calendar is full of opportunities for fellowship, service, worship, and fun throughout the summer and into the fall.
 
On Saturday, July 11th, we will hold an Outdoor Cleanup Day beginning at 8:00 a.m. We hope to work for a few hours, and as the saying goes, many hands make light work. Please bring work gloves, shovels, and any pruning or trimming tools you may need.
 
Our next Outdoor Worship Service and our Community Picnic are scheduled for July 19th. There will be food, games, and plenty of opportunities for fellowship. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, and members and friends are invited
to bring a side dish or dessert to share. (A sign-up sheet is available in the gathering area.) It promises to be a wonderful day together as the Resurrection family.
 
On Wednesday, July 22, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., we will volunteer at Hunger Task Force, helping assemble stock boxes for families in need. We are hoping to have at least twenty volunteers participate. If you are available, please consider joining us as we partner with this important ministry that helps address food insecurity in our community.
 
As summer winds down and we begin looking toward fall, please mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
• Outdoor Worship — August 16
• God’s Work. Our Hands. — September 13
• Fall Kickoff Event (Taco Bar) and New Member Sunday — September 20
• Outreach for Hope Ride, Run, Walk — September 26
• Community Pet Blessing Sunday — October 11
As you can see, there is much happening at Resurrection. These activities are more than events on a calendar; they are opportunities to grow in faith, deepen relationships, serve our neighbors, and share Christ's love with the world around us. Thank you for the many ways you contribute your time, talents, and gifts to our congregation's ministry.
 
I pray that you find time this summer for rest, renewal, and joy, and that in every season you continue to experience God's presence and blessings. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together as we continue growing in faith and serving in love.
 
Grace and peace,
Tom

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