A Message from The Rev. Kaji Douša

I have to say: I have truly loved the spirit of worship in our church over the past several weeks. Something beautiful is happening, God is present, and so are we!

This Sunday, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus – in fulfillment of the prophecy – settles in to his ministry in Capernaum. The text quotes the bleakness the people were experiencing and how Jesus shines in the bleakness. From this, I want to explore with you the concept of isolation, loneliness. And how God reaches into this space.

So! Please do join us for worship as we explore all of this.

Finally, at our last Council meeting, we discussed aspects of how my ministry looks differently now that the congregation voted to reduce my position temporarily due to budgetary concerns. To this end, the Council thought it would be good to offer a time range when it’s helpful to reach out to me – office hours, if you will – when I’ll be checking church-related emails, etc. I’ll be posting those office hours in the newsletter, so keep your eyes here for updates, as they may shift when I am able to find additional work to make up for the income I’ve lost. Currently, my office hours are Tuesday mornings from 10 am to noon.

Thank you for all that you are doing to support this church’s ongoing ministry and mission. Can’t wait to see you in church!

With love,

Pastor Kaji

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-17 (Year A, p. 102):

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he went back to Galilee. 13 Then he left Nazareth behind and settled in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15  “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the sea road, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16  the people who sat in bleakness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the realm of the heavens has come near.”

Pastor Kaji’s new office hours are Tuesdays between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Please reach out to the church office to schedule an appointment regarding Pastoral Care and Other Church Business.