From the Pastor’s Message:

Next week, many of us will gather for our annual Family Camp on the beautiful Mattole River. This is our church's sixth year of camp, and it has become one of the highlights of our year—a chance to deepen our relationships, delight in God's Creation, and become more attentive to the Holy Spirit in our midst.

Throughout my life, outdoor ministry has been one of the most formative influences on my faith. But the phrase outdoor ministry is almost comical when you think about it. Yes, Jesus taught in homes and synagogues, but so much of his ministry happened outside. The Gospel story unfolds on roadsides, hillsides, lakeshores, and mountaintops. Jesus fed the crowds on the grass and met his disciples in the midst of the wind and waves. It's nearly all "Outdoor Ministry."

The good news is that you don't have to travel far to encounter God in Creation. Step outside. Walk among the redwoods. Sit on your porch. Listen to the birds. Feel the breeze. Take a few moments to notice the God who is always present.

Certainly we treasure the time we spend together within the walls of our church, where we gather for worship and are nourished in faith. But we are always sent back “outdoors” to minister to the world and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, wherever we may go.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Taylor