Advent Given by Scott Erickson

Kindred in Christ,

As we step into the season of Advent, I find myself filled with a renewed sense of hope and anticipation. Advent is a time of holy waiting, a season when we remember God’s promises and open our hearts to the possibility of new beginnings. It is a journey that invites us to slow down, pay attention, and let God’s imagination take root in our lives.

This year, our worship series, The Will to Dream, invites us to explore how faith grows when we hold memory and imagination together. We remember the stories that formed us. We remember the prophets who spoke truth in turbulent times. We remember a child born in humility who revealed the heart of God. And at the same time, we dare to imagine what God is doing now. We imagine peace where conflict currently reigns. We imagine justice where people are suffering and oppressed. We imagine love that is bold enough to reshape our world.

This Sunday, we will gather to light the Hope candle, a simple flame that reminds us of the light God plants in even the most uncertain seasons. It marks the beginning of our Advent journey and sets our hearts toward the promise that new life is already on the way.

I am excited to walk this path with you. My hope is that these coming weeks will deepen our faith, widen our compassion, and open our eyes to the ways God continues to move among us. I invite you to join us each Sunday as we lean into this season with curiosity, courage, and joy.

May this Advent be a gift to you.
May God stir your memory, awaken your imagination, and guide your steps toward hope.

Alongside you,

Pastor Paul Ortiz