Dear Friends in Christ,
Last week’s extreme weather made it difficult for many of us to gather for worship in person. While the temperatures have eased slightly, winter is still very much with us, and February carries its own weight. Our bodies grow tired, concerns about health linger, and when we miss worship due to weather or circumstances beyond our control, a quiet sense of burden can settle in our hearts.
At times like these, we may find ourselves asking,
“Shouldn’t I be stronger?”
“Shouldn’t I be holding my faith together better?”
Yet the God revealed to us in Scripture is not one who waits for us to become strong before drawing near. God meets us as we are, tired, worn down, and carrying more than we expected. God does not come only when we are ready, but especially when our strength feels thin. Worship is not a place of achievement; it is a place of grace. Faith is not about perfection, but about trusting ourselves back into God’s hands.
There are times when our health or the weather makes it difficult to be present in the sanctuary. In such moments, worship and prayer offered from home are received by God with grace. At the same time, we remember that gathering together in one place on Sundays remains a vital center of our life as a faith community. Worshiping together is a gift that cannot be replaced, a time when we encourage one another simply by being present. God knows our circumstances and continues to draw us back into shared life and worship.
As we slowly approach the season of Lent, this is not a time meant to pressure us into doing more. Lent invites us instead to slow our pace, to let go of what weighs us down, and to gently realign our hearts with God. In the weeks ahead, it may be helpful to ask ourselves quietly,
“What might God be inviting me to release this season?”
“Where is God calling me not to strive more, but to trust more?”
Though we worship in different places and walk through this long winter in different ways, we remain one community, held together in prayer and grace. Even when we are apart, we are connected. You are not alone.
As we continue through this long winter season, I pray that God grants each of you rest and peace. May we move through this season grounded in grace and quiet trust. May God’s presence sustain you and your loved ones in the days ahead.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
Grace and peace to you,
Rev. Hyuntae Kim, Ph.D.