New mercies for a new year

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New beginnings, renewed each day

As 2026 approaches, many of us pause to reflect on the year behind us and look ahead with hope for what is to come. New Year’s resolutions often speak of fresh starts, second chances, and the desire to write a better story in the days ahead. The good news of our faith is that with God, new beginnings are not limited to one day on the calendar. Each morning we awaken, we are met with grace that is already waiting for us.

Scripture reminds us of this enduring promise: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, the Lord’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22–23

Martin Luther echoed this by reminding the church that new beginnings happen daily, not just yearly. In his explanation of Baptism in the Small Catechism, Luther writes that baptism “signifies that the old person in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die… and that a new person should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” For Luther, renewal was never about perfect resolutions or self-improvement, but about trusting God’s grace to do new work in us each day.

Luther also emphasized that God’s mercy is always fresh. Reflecting on passages like Lamentations, he taught that we live by God’s mercy alone, a mercy that is never exhausted. God meets us each morning not because we have earned it, but because God is faithful. This understanding allowed Luther to encourage Jesus followers to live facing forward in hope, trusting God even when the future is uncertain.

One often-cited reflection, commonly attributed to Luther, captures this hopeful posture: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” Whether exact or paraphrased, the sentiment reflects Luther’s deep conviction that faith lives in hope, action, and trust, no matter what the future holds.

As we enter this new year, fresh expressions of worship and community are also emerging among us. Across our area, many people are seeking spaces where grace is lived, questions are welcomed, and authentic community can take root. For those who stepped away from religious spaces long ago, there is a longing for something new, something honest, healing, and hopeful.

The beauty of Community Lutheran Church is found in this shared journey. Together, this community of compassionate and curious people continues to listen, learn, and imagine new ways to reflect the love of Jesus in the world. As we step into a new year, may we do so with open hearts, trusting that God is still at work creating, renewing, and drawing us together.

Pastor Karis

A word of thanks

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Thank you so very much for the generous Christmas gift. Please know that my heart is overflowing with gratitude. It is truly an honor to serve among you, doing God’s work alongside such an amazing and faithful team.

With heartfelt thanks,
Pastor Karis

Council Highlights

Community Lutheran Church Council met Sunday, December 14^th, 2025. We mainly focused on discussing Pastor Carla’s First 100 days document which was highlighted in last week’s newsletter.  We have accomplished a great deal and Pastor Carla has drafted an ambition strategic plan that we will discuss at the next Council meeting.

We are fortunate to have two more retired pastors, Pastor Jay and Pastor Gail, who will be joining our Pastoral team as volunteers.

Now that Pastor Carla is on board, the reimagination team will be reconvening to determine the next steps to make our building more flexible.  In particular they will be looking at how to make the food pantry less labor intensive, concentrating on set up and break down.

There is a need for people to become greeters at both services. See Ellen Steiger.

Some thought is being given as to whether we want to keep two Sunday services or go to one Sunday service and one evening during the week. A questionnaire will be disseminated in the new year.

Creation care team has been busy with a Bible study and an upcoming movie night, January 10^th 6 to 8.

Pastor Earl will lead a Council Training on January 8^th.  The next Council meeting is Sunday, January 11^th after the second service.  All are welcome.

Lonnie Riley
Council Secretary

Support our local veterans

Community Lutheran is partnering with the VA Homeless Coordinator to collect much needed supplies for veterans experiencing homelessness. We are requesting new items only, not gently worn or previously used items.

Please bring donations between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1 and place them in the donation box located in the narthex.

Needed items include:

• Hand warmers
• Gloves
• Quilts
• Tents
• Sleeping bags
• Winter hats
• Body wipes
• Toiletry kits
• First aid kits

Together, we can provide warmth, dignity, and hope to those who have given so much in service to our country.

Yoga ministry update

Due to the loss of the trauma informed yoga instructor, January yoga class have been postponed until another instructor can be located in the future. We will keep everyone in the loop once we continue this important ministry.

Pastor Karis

Group Spiritual Direction; Intention Setting & Discernment for Healing and Growing in the New Year

Our ministry is always moving through worship, service, and care. Here’s what’s coming up at Community:

• January 4: Special music with Diana Wagner during worship
• January 8: Council Training with Pastor Earl at 1 p.m. in Luther Hall
• January 10: Creation Care Ministry Movie Night – Join us in Luther Hall to watch The Biggest Little Farm from 6-8 p.m. Pizza and popcorn included.
• January 11: Council Meeting after 2nd service
• January 13: Removing decorations at 9 a.m. Volunteers needed.
• January 25: New member worship at 10:30 a.m. and orientation at noon.
• January 28: Pastor Earl will lead a 7-week book study – Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm by Dr. Robin via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. Watch for the link soon.

Friendly reminder: Updated contact emails

Please double-check the email address you’re using when reaching out to Community Lutheran staff. All accounts are now working correctly.

Contacts:

• Pastor Carla — pastorcarla@bridgebuilder.church
• Pastor Karis — pastor@bridgebuilder.church
• Mari Satterlee — president@bridgebuilder.church
• David Nilsson, Treasurer — treasurer@bridgebuilder.church
• Morgana Wilkes, Technology Support —  tech.clc.30897@gmail.com

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