“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior . . . “ (Titus 3:5b-6) Have you ever thought someone was hopeless? That was the question the Apostle Paul faced as he sent one of his students, a man named Titus, to the island of Crete. Crete is the fourth largest island of the Mediterranean. It’s directly south of the Aegean Sea. For as exotic as that sounds, it did not make the NY Times list of “The Best Places to Raise Your Children.” In fact, the corruption and laziness of the place became the stuff of popular sayings. Paul states it plainly for Titus. “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons. This testimony is true.” (Titus 1:12b-13a). To look at Crete, most would write it off as a lost cause. But Paul and Titus saw something different. They saw potential. They saw people for whom Christ died, people who were worthy of God’s rescue. Paul encouraged Titus to get right to work. Show them God’s purpose to save the human race. Teach people to see one another as made in God’s image. Sternly discipline those who need it. Deal straightforwardly with those wrestling with addiction. Work with those whom you have access to – namely the women, the young men and the slaves. This is a big job. After all, how do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time. Facing this huge task, Paul reminds Titus not to write anyone off. Paul tells him to be honest with himself. We all begin this life from the same place – as sinners. “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures . . .” (Titus 3:3). Because of His mercy, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior . . . “ (Titus 3:5b-6). The church at Crete started, as people began to experience the grace of God. We all need to be scrubbed clean. God washes us through the work of the Holy Spirit, loving us so much as to say, “You’re a mess, but you are worth saving. See, I give myself for you.” Person by person, they became “church”, this mysterious community that cares about and for each other – a community full of joy. I have experienced God’s amazing grace and the joy it brings from your hands. Your life experiences, your God-given wisdom, your talent, your willingness to spend time around a table, your hard work, your care and thoughtfulness have brought so much joy to so many.  This summer, let’s sharpen our skills in bringing God’s blessing and joy to our neighbors that they will know that God is good – all the time! May we all Keep and Live the Faith!

Psalm 74:17 – “It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Happy May! Spring is in full swing - flowers are popping up, birds are singing their hearts out, and suddenly, the world seems brighter… and messier (thank you, pollen!). Psalm 74:17 reminds us that God is the ultimate organizer of this beautiful chaos. He set the boundaries of the earth and carefully orchestrated the seasons - summer and winter, growth and rest, sun and rain. Isn’t it comforting to know that the same God who manages the vast universe also holds your life in His hands? Just as we don’t get to skip winter, we don’t always get to rush through the hard times, but just as winter gives way to spring, God’s timing brings growth, renewal, and unexpected joys. Even in moments of uncertainty, He is quietly at work, preparing something beautiful just beneath the surface, where we cannot yet see. This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, graduations, and longer days of sunlight, let’s remember to pause and notice the little miracles around us: the first bees on the blossoms, the green buds on trees, the laughter of family and friends. Staying in touch with God through prayer, worship, or simply noticing His handiwork helps us stay grounded in His love, even in the busiest or messiest of days. When we slow down, we often discover that His presence has been there all along, gently guiding and sustaining us. So, whether you’re planting flowers, dusting off your sandals, or enjoying a cup of coffee in the sunshine, take a moment to smile and say, “Thanks, God - for the seasons, the surprises, and the steady hand guiding us through it all.”  May you all each day, spot one small blessing - a flower, a smile, a song - and thank God for it! And may your heart be continually lifted by the quiet assurance that you are deeply known, faithfully loved, and never walking alone. Have a blessed spring!