Kindred in Christ,

Have you ever stumbled on something so beautiful, so unexpected, that it changed everything? That’s how Jesus describes the kin-dom of heaven in Matthew 13:44–46—a hidden treasure, a pearl worth giving everything for. On Homecoming Sunday, September 21 at 10:30am, we’ll gather to celebrate that kind of joy: the joy of being found, claimed, and treasured by God. And I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Psalm 113 reminds us that the Lord is above all nations—not captive to any one flag or power—and yet stoops down to lift up the poor and the lowly. That’s the opposite of Christian nationalism, which twists faith into a tool for domination. Instead, God’s kingdom is a community where grace is the center and where all are lifted up.

Homecoming is our chance to celebrate that vision together: to remember that we belong, to rejoice in the love that binds us, and to invite others into the joy of community. After worship, we’ll share a potluck meal and explore a Memory Lane photo wall—celebrating our congregations’ histories, adding your significant dates from the past, and beginning new stories together.

This is a Sunday to come home, to bring a friend, and to discover again that God’s treasure is here among us in community. Don’t miss it!

Alongside you,

Pastor Paul Ortiz