Kindred in Christ,

As summer unfolds around us, I find myself filled with gratitude—for the journey we are on together, and for the ways both congregations have shown up week after week to worship, learn, and grow side by side. Each shared moment has been a thread in the tapestry of something new being woven among us. Thank you for your presence, your prayers, and your trust in this unfolding story.

This Sunday, I’ll be away, and our own Jeff Shamblin-Mullinix will be preaching and leading worship. Jeff brings deep wisdom, a kind spirit, and a gift for connecting scripture with everyday life. I’m grateful for his willingness to step into this role, and know you’ll be encouraged by what he shares.

The Gospel reading this week is from Luke 11, where the disciples come to Jesus and say, “Teach us to pray.” It’s a simple request, but such a human one. They didn’t ask for clarity or certainty or power—they asked for connection. Jesus responds, not with complicated theology, but with a pattern: ask, seek, knock. Trust that God is not distant or withholding, but generous and near.

In times of transition and discernment, prayer doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes our words feel jumbled or uncertain. But this passage reminds us: we don’t need perfect words to be heard. We are already known. Prayer is less about saying the right thing, and more about staying in relationship—with God, with one another, and with the grace that holds it all together.

I look forward to what lies ahead with you all. Let’s keep asking, seeking, and knocking—together.

Alongside you,

Rev. Paul Ortiz