Rest in Your church

      From Mandu(Korean Dumplings) to Holy Communion Every holiday, we used to gather at my grandparents' house to make Mandu (Korean dumplings). Mandu was never just food; it was our family identity, our culture, and our tradition. As we folded the dough, we shared our lives, laughed over old memories, and grew closer. I have taught my children the special way of folding Mandu that my grandmother taught me, and now, my children and I are teaching others. Last Friday, as we made Mandu together, we were really "folding" love into our lives. In Korea, those who eat together are called Sik-gu , which literally means "family of the mouth" or "those who share food." It was such a joy to host the Mandu cooking class with our Patten family. I hope that through these "modern-day sacraments"—sharing recipes and eating together—we continue to become one family in Jesus Christ. Korean Dumplings recipe    The Spirit of Bibimbap: Planting Roots in Aroost...

The Gold and the Flame: Lessons from Children I have always loved helping with children’s sermons at church. Children ask honest questions. Sometimes one simple question can teach more than a long sermon. I remember one Sunday when I was talking about rainbows. We have a picture of our church with a rainbow ending right at the front door. I told the children, “Good things happen at the end of the rainbow.” Then a young boy named Christopher looked at me and asked, “But where’s the gold?” Everyone laughed, and I laughed too. I said, “The gold is out there in the pews!” But later I kept thinking about his question. He was right. The real gold is not money hidden somewhere. The gold is the people of God. It is their love, their giving, their service, and their faithfulness. Without the people, the church building is only wood and stone. Another children’s sermon has stayed in my heart for years. I lined up several children and lit one candle. Then I used that candle to light another, and ...

           Easter Continues!!    We had a wonderful time celebrating our April Family Worship and Coffee Hour last Sunday. It was so good to be together! Celebrating Our Church Family: Happy Birthday to Inara, Madi, Ted, Roberta, Chrissy, Leslie, Sue, and Debbie! Happy Anniversary to Penny and Ross ( 49th ) and Bob and Jean ( 48th )! May your special days be filled with blessings! Dickie is Back! Since last November, his health has kept him away from the pews, so we have been praying for him.  God answered our prayers in a big way last Sunday!  Not only did Dickie make it to church, but he pulled a total "pro move" and  drove himself here.  I wasn't sure he could pull it off, but there he was—shining brighter than the altar candles—reading his beautiful testimony for all of us to hear.   Dickie’s Testimony: A journey of faith, service, and laughter  Sermon: "Living Resurrection Love" (1 & 2 Thessalonians)...

A Long Road Home My name is Dickie Somers. I want to be honest first: I am not perfect. There are things in my life I am not proud of, but there are also many things I thank God for. One of the biggest blessings in my life is this church. I have been part of this church for a long time—over 50 years now. Church has always been important to me. I grew up in a Christian family with eight children. My father worked in the woods, and my mother worked hard all her life. Faith was the foundation of our home. Even today, I start my day the same way: I make coffee, and then I read my devotions. Every single morning. That is what keeps me going. When I was young, my mother loved the church. She came early every Sunday, not just for worship, but to talk to everyone. She loved people, and I think I learned that from her. I always looked forward to Sunday school then, and I still do today.   Starting the Men’s Group One day, we had a visiting minister named Tom Chandler. At that ti...

    He is Risen! This Easter Sunday was truly special. Despite the unfavorable weather, so many of you came out to celebrate, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar, welcoming faces. Penny’s testimony , as always, deeply moved our hearts and reminded us of the power of God’s work in our lives. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the congregants who decorated the inside and outside of the church so beautifully for Easter—especially Sharon and Bob . Your hard work made our sanctuary feel like a true celebration of life. I also want to thank Jeanie , who meticulously prepared Easter gifts for children of all ages. Having a Sunday School teacher who loves and cares for our children so deeply is a true sign of hope and a profound blessing for our church. We also give thanks for God’s protection over Jean , who serves our community in so many ways—from the media to the bulletins. She had a scary fall in front of the church and could have been injured, but we ar...