Pastor’s Message – July WORD
Dear Friends,
July always rolls in with sunshine, cookouts, and that wonderful excuse to eat dessert twice because, well… it’s patriotic. This year carries a special note as we continue to reflect on the 250th birthday of the United States. Two and a half centuries of history, courage, innovation, and—if we’re honest—a few family-sized disagreements along the way.
We are blessed beyond measure to live in a country where freedom is cherished and defended. Freedom to worship. Freedom to speak. Freedom to gather—like we do each week, sometimes even on time (miracles still happen!).
But as meaningful as those freedoms are, I’d like to gently nudge us toward a deeper reflection this July: What does true freedom really look like?
Because Scripture reminds us that freedom is more than a political reality—it is a spiritual gift.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36 (NIV)
Now that’s not the kind of freedom you celebrate with fireworks (probably for the best—we’ve all seen how that can go). This is the freedom that transforms hearts. The freedom that releases us from guilt, fear, and the constant pressure to “have it all together.”
Let’s be honest—most of us spend a good portion of our lives trying to look free while quietly carrying burdens that weigh us down. We smile, we say “I’m fine,” and then we go home and wonder why peace feels just out of reach.
Jesus offers something radically different:
Not just freedom from something—but freedom for something.
Freedom to love deeply.
Freedom to forgive freely.
Freedom to live with hope, even on the hard days.
And unlike fireworks, this freedom doesn’t fizzle out after a few seconds—it stays with us.
A right relationship with Jesus Christ is where that freedom begins. It’s not about checking every box or having a flawless track record (thank goodness, or I’d be in trouble too).
It’s about surrender, grace, and walking daily with the One who knows us completely and loves us anyway.
A Simple Prayer
Gracious God,
Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, and for the sacrifices that made them possible.
But even more, thank You for the freedom You offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Set our hearts free from anything that holds us back from You—fear, guilt, pride, or doubt.
Help us to walk in Your grace and to share that freedom with others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Challenge for July
This month, I invite you to do one simple—but powerful—thing:
Take five minutes each day to “check in” with your freedom in Christ.
Ask yourself:
– Am I holding onto something Jesus has already set me free from?
– Is there someone I need to forgive?
– Am I living as if I am truly free…or just pretending?
And then—this is the important part—bring it to God in prayer. Not perfectly. Not with fancy words. Just honestly.
(And if you accidentally fall asleep during one of those prayer times, don’t worry—consider it resting in the Lord!)
Friends, as we celebrate our nation this July, let’s not forget to celebrate the deeper freedom we’ve been given—a freedom that no circumstance can take away.
Now that’s something worth waving a flag about.
With gratitude and a smile,
Pastor Toby
Pastor’s Corner — June 2026
Friends,
Summer has finally arrived — which means two things:
- The church lawn is growing faster than the speed of sound making Alan a very busy (but proud) guy, and
- Someone will inevitably ask me if shorts are “holy enough” for Sunday worship.
To which I say: if the disciples could follow Jesus around the Judean countryside in sandals and a robe, I think your knees will survive the sanctuary. Who am I kidding…nobody is going to ask me that question – because I will likely being wearing shorts myself.
We are kicking off a new series (or bringing back an old series) called “The Summer T-Shirt Series” on June 7th. My hope is to be able to wear a different t-shirt every Sunday and preach on the theme of the shirt. It’s going to be fun – and I encourage you to wear your favorite Christian t-shirt also.
Now…back to the lawn thing…
June always brings me back to a simple truth: growth happens when the conditions are right — but it still takes tending. Grass grows on its own, but a garden? A garden needs intention. Water. Sunlight. Occasional weeding. And, if you’re me, a whispered prayer that the tomatoes don’t give up on you. I can kill a plastic plant – which is why I tend to stay away from our own Community Garden and let the professional green thumbed ones take care of it.
Our spiritual lives work the same way. God plants the seeds — grace, hope, compassion, forgiveness — but we’re the ones who choose whether to water them or let the weeds take over. And let’s be honest: some of us have spiritual dandelions that could win awards.
This month, I want to invite you to slow down just enough to notice what God is growing in you. Not what you wish God would grow. Not what you think you should be growing. But what is actually sprouting in the soil of your life right now.
Maybe it’s patience.
Maybe it’s courage.
Maybe it’s the ability to say “no” to things that drain you.
Maybe it’s the willingness to say “yes” to something new.
Whatever it is, trust that God is already at work — and that your job is simply to tend the garden.
A Prayer for June
Gracious God,
As summer unfolds around us, open our eyes to the quiet ways You are growing new life within us.
Give us the courage to nurture what is good, the wisdom to pull what harms, and the joy to celebrate every small blossom of grace.
Make our hearts fertile ground for Your love, and let that love spill into our homes, our community, and our world.
In the name of Christ, who makes all things new. Amen.
Your Challenge
This month, I challenge you to choose one small spiritual practice and commit to it for 30 days. Not a big one. Not a heroic one. Just one simple thing that waters the garden of your soul.
Here are a few ideas:
- Daily Gratitude — Write down one thing each day that made you smile.
- Scripture Snack — Read a single verse each morning.
- Kindness Mission — Do one intentional act of kindness each day.
- Prayer Pause — Stop once a day for a 60‑second prayer.
Pick one. Stick with it. Watch what God grows.
And if your spiritual garden still ends up looking a little wild — well, welcome to the club. God works beautifully with messy soil.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Toby
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