Pastoral Letter: Grace Like Rain
Grace and peace to you in Christ.
Dear SUM family, I pray you are spending this week in the Lord’s grace. Since joining the SUM family, I have been learning how to find a rhythm between my own life and the life of this community. One practice I cherish is writing to you each week. On Wednesdays, I pause to reflect on what has happened—moments where I see Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s quiet presence. On Saturdays, these reflections are shared through the Messenger.
It is Wednesday evening, August 20, and I write this letter while listening to the rain outside my window. This morning, a member came to the parsonage to help me put a radiator cover back in place. We also looked at the beds that still needed to be assembled for my children. Honestly, it is work I can hardly imagine doing by myself. I was deeply grateful for this help, knowing the children will need a proper place to rest when they arrive.
After receiving this kindness, I left the house for lunch with a couple from our church. Since the rain had been falling since morning and a cool breeze was in the air, I pulled on a jacket for the first time in a while. In our conversation, I caught a glimpse of how God has walked with them-how their passion and calling have shaped their love and service for the church.
Later, I worked on the funeral service of a beloved member who had lived her whole life in this congregation. I cannot know every part of her journey, but I trust the Spirit was there in each moment. As I prayed and wrote, I was reminded again that even death cannot stop the rain of grace flowing from the cross and resurrection of Christ—the One who raised Christ is faithful in every season.
Maybe it is the weather, but tonight my heart feels quiet. A verse I love comes to mind:
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)
God’s word comes like rain that gives life. When days feel dry, when the season is heavy, the right rain falls. And it is not only the earth that is watered. The Spirit softens our hearts and makes room for new life to grow.
Friends, what season are you walking through right now?
Perhaps under a blazing sun that wears you down.
Perhaps in a storm that pushes you back.
Perhaps in a fog that hides the way ahead.
Wherever you are, grace is falling even now. It may feel late, but it comes right on time. That rain lifts us, steadies us, and carries us toward the Kin-dom of God.
As our children begin a new school year, and as we continue our journey together, Christ’s grace will be with us. Nothing can separate us from his love. In the weeks ahead, we will keep watching for grace in the ordinary.
This Sunday, August 24, we will gather again for worship. We will reflect on Luke 13:10–17 under the theme “Straightened by Grace.” At the 9:30 service, we will also take time to bless and pray for our children as they begin the school year. I warmly invite you to join us, that together we may be refreshed by the rain of God’s grace.
Your Pastor
DH Choi