A Season of New Life and Renewed Commitment

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." – Isaiah 43:19

Dear Beloved in Christ,

As we stand on the horizon of spring, we witness the world awakening. Buds begin to bloom, the days grow longer, and the air carries the promise of renewal. Spring is a reminder of God's faithfulness, a season where new life emerges from what seemed dormant, and opportunities arise for growth, change, and hope.

Yet, even as nature reminds us of God's ongoing work of renewal, we cannot ignore the realities of suffering in our world. Our nation finds itself in a time of great political uncertainty, where policies and budget decisions are shaping the lives of so many—sometimes for the better, but too often in ways that bring hardship. Families struggling to afford food, individuals unable to access healthcare, and communities losing vital resources remind us that justice is not just a political issue but a gospel calling.

As followers of Christ, we are not called to turn away from these struggles but to step into them with open eyes, compassionate hearts, and informed minds. We are called to stand behind, beside, and before our siblings who are unheard, unseen, and overlooked. The work of Christ was never about comfort but transformation— seeing the brokenness in the world and choosing to be part of God's healing.

This season invites us to see life in a new way, to open our hearts to the movement of the Holy Spirit, and to ask, "Where is God calling me to bring renewal? How can I be a voice for justice? In what ways can I embody Christ's love?"

May this season be one in which we do not simply celebrate new life but actively participate in it—by seeking truth, advocating for the vulnerable, and embracing the changes that bring us closer to God's vision for the world.

May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts ready to act.

With hope and in Christ's love,

Rev. Gilbert Martinez, Pastor