Pastoral Letter: When Plans Become Prayer
Dear SUM Family,
Greetings in the name of our Creator, Savior, and Comforter.
How are you today? My prayer is that you are deeply experiencing God's loving presence. Thanks to your faithful prayers and generous hearts, I am doing well.
As I reflect on our journey together, I wonder—have your plans unfolded exactly as you imagined when you set them earlier this year? If we're honest, we all know the truth: we plan and organize our lives, or at least, we try!
This past Wednesday (August 6), we had an "all-day staff meeting." When I first heard about it, I admit, I was somewhat taken aback. No matter how meaningful, an entire day of meetings sounded overwhelming. But this gathering was special, as our staff came together to plan our worship and ministries for the upcoming year prayerfully. Preparing for this meeting, I found myself often praying: "Lord, let it be purposeful, enjoyable, and please, not exhausting!"
We plan because we hope. And in the church, planning becomes more than logistics—it's a way of listening for God's next invitation. That day, as our staff shared stories and discerned together, I was filled with gratitude. God's presence was near.
As I write this letter, joy rises within me. I imagine the meaningful and grace-filled moments awaiting us. During our meeting, I was reminded of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. They traveled with hope, guided by pillars of cloud and fire, sustained by daily manna and quail. Just like them, we too are led and provided for by God's loving hand in our own journey.
By God's grace, I was called to be your pastor and became part of this wonderful SUM family. Change is never easy, but together we anticipate and follow God's gentle guidance step by step. After just over a month with you, it's inspiring to see how our path is unfolding.
During our meeting, as we shared hopes and discerned next year's ministries together, one of our staff members gently said, "Pastor, you will never minister alone. We, your SUM family, will always stand by you." My heart overflowed with gratitude at this encouragement. Romans 8:28 came alive in that moment: "God works all things together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God's purpose." This scripture wasn't just memorized words—it became a living, breathing reality through our shared lives.
My heart is hopeful, expectant, and deeply prayerful. Walking alongside passionate, wise, honest, and humble servants of God strengthens and empowers me. As I write, I am excited about how we, as God's beloved community, will continue discerning and fulfilling God's purpose together. Even when we are unsure how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Setting aside my own limited knowledge, I commit anew to following our Lord Jesus, our true guide and companion.
Later that evening, we gathered again to plan for Rally Day. I had shared a few thoughts, but it was our team—bringing stories, insights, and a spirit of collaboration—that turned the meeting into something more. In that moment, it felt as though the Spirit of God was gently moving among us, kindling joy and clarity. I left feeling deeply moved.
It reminded me again how many gifted, humble, and willing servants we have in this church—people who love God, love one another, and gladly give their time and hearts for the sake of God's Kin-dom. Through their hands and prayers, I sensed God's grace.
Rally Day will be full of life. It may not be perfect, but it will be marked by faithful effort and joyful presence. Led by our staff, our lay leaders, and all of you, we will create something beautiful to share—not only within the SUM family, but also with our neighbors and friends in the wider community. It will be a day to dream together and, perhaps, glimpse something of God's vision for us. A day to taste grace. A day to rejoice in the opportunities God is giving to each of us—and to all of us together.
I am filled with expectation. And so I pray—gratefully, quietly, and with deep hope. For you. For us. For all that God is already unfolding through our life together.
Beloved SUM family, aren't you excited about how God will continue leading our church? Please join me in joyful, prayerful anticipation. You are warmly invited to worship this Sunday. We continue our summer series, What Moves Us, and this week we'll reflect on Luke 12:32–40 under the theme "Trust Over Fear." The sermon is titled "Fear Not, Little Flock."
Together, let us keep tasting and seeing the abundant goodness of our God—who goes before us, walks with us, and is already working through us.
With heartfelt expectation and love,
Your Pastor
DH Choi