Pastoral Letter: Rivers of Living Water

Dear SUM Family,

Grace and peace of Christ be with you.

By God’s Call, Mission Possible!
This past Sunday’s Rally Day service was overflowing with life. So many of you prayed, prepared, and offered your gifts for this day. Each prayer and each effort became part of a greater current of grace. As Jesus promised:

“On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37–38, NRSV) 

That promise came alive in our worship. I saw the living water flowing among us—in vibrant praise, in the joy of fellowship, and in the simple act of gathering at the Lord’s table. It was more than a single event; it was a sign that Christ continues to pour out living water through the body of SUM.

In the days that followed, I caught glimpses of that same river. On a bright afternoon at Burgers on the Bridge at the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, the blossoms glowed in the sunlight, the river sparkled below, and the sky shone brilliant blue. Yet what shone even brighter were the people—neighbors and friends, laughter echoing, children running freely. Meeting some of our SUM family there, being welcomed and introduced, I felt such joy. I prayed that the Kin-dom of God would keep expanding whenever Christ’s love opens a space of welcome and connection in our town. And yes, sharing burgers and chips with my children was a grace all its own.

Later in the week, I joined the Adult Spiritual Growth Connection group. We reflected on how relationships had grown over the summer—within the church, with neighbors, and in our own families. I left grateful for the balance God weaves: inside and outside, learning and sharing, old friends and new companions. In all these relationships, I sensed God gently forming us for mission.

That same evening, our Youth gathered. The church was filled with their laughter, their games, their joy. I introduced myself briefly and then slipped back to my office. Yet their voices carried through the walls—pizza shared, basketball played, jokes told, shouts of delight. As I listened, I prayed quietly for them, asking God to bless their lives, to guide their friendships, and to keep their joy rooted in Christ.

Through all of these moments, one truth kept returning: mercy moves first, and we are invited to join. God’s Spirit always crosses the boundaries—between church and community, between generations, even within our own hearts—drawing us into Christ’s seeking love.

This Sunday, we continue our series with the theme:
By God’s Seeking Love: Mission Possible

Where might mercy invite you to cross a street, extend a welcome, or open a new conversation? I look forward to discovering this with you in worship.

With gratitude in Christ,
DH