Pastoral Letter: Grace That Goes Before Us

Dear Simsbury UMC Family,

Grace and peace to you in Christ.

The summer heat presses on these days—thick air, bright sun, sudden storms. And in the middle of it all, I find myself thinking again about how God works: quietly, persistently, often through the people and moments we least expect.

Life keeps unfolding.
In small conversations.
In unexpected kindness.
In the shared rhythm of doing life together.

Since moving to Simsbury, I’ve had more of these moments—especially in conversations with neighbors. When I mention I’m a pastor, I often hear the same gentle confessions:
“I don’t go to church, but I believe in God.” “I’m not religious, but I’m spiritual.”

I never hear those words as distance or resistance. I hear them as hunger. I hear something stirring.

Grace That’s Already Moving

John Wesley called that stirring prevenient grace—the grace that comes before.
Before we know its name.
Before we understand what’s happening.

It’s the restlessness that says, “There must be more than this.”
It’s the whisper that keeps us reaching.
It’s God already at work—before we ever turn to look.

When someone tells me they believe—but aren’t sure what that means—I believe grace is already moving in them. So I say: “I hope that longing keeps growing. And I hope you find companions for the journey. You don’t have to figure it out alone.”

When Grace Finds a Circle

I saw that same grace at work this past Monday afternoon in the Annex (7/21/25). We gathered for our Monday Discipleship Summer Class, reading Henri Nouwen’s Encounters with Merton. Under the wise and gentle hospitality of Susan Samuel, our group became more than a study—it became a circle of care.

People shared deeply.
They listened carefully.
And as we reflected on Nouwen and Merton’s search for God, something sacred unfolded: prevenient grace made visible in community.

Each person’s quiet longing was met with welcome.
Each story, received with tenderness.
And in that space, Wesley’s theology of grace wasn’t just something we talked about—it was something we were living.

Growing Together

Wesley spoke of three graces that shape the Christian journey: Prevenient Grace that wakes us up. Justifying Grace that assures us: You are forgiven. You are beloved. Sanctifying Grace that walks with us, slowly transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

That process isn’t linear. It’s not always clear. But grace doesn’t demand perfection. It invites presence. Sometimes we drift from church. Sometimes wounds take time to heal. But when Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), he’s not issuing a rule. He’s offering a table. A return. A reminder that we still belong. Because even Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray (Mark 1:35)—but he always returned.

Returned to the disciples.
To the table.
To the ones walking beside him.
And the early church?
They met daily, shared meals, and built something beautiful from ordinary faithfulness (Acts 2:46).

This Sunday

So this Sunday, I want to invite you to come—just as you are.
With your wondering.
With your questions.
With the hope that God might meet you here, again.
Let’s worship.
Let’s remember.
Let’s be the kind of church where grace is not just spoken—but practiced. Shared. Lived.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude and grace,
Pastor DH Choi