From the Pastor's Pen

 The frenetic pace of the holiday seasons are about to take a break. It seems like  All Saints Day (Halloween) runs into Thanksgiving, then Advent and now Christmas, the calendar seems crowded and relentless. Thankfully, we catch our breath and hopefully turn our attention to this child whose birthday we celebrate. The children’s program was a wonderful reminder of telling the Christmas story, portrayed by our talented younger generation. Kudos!

As 2024 comes to a close, we look back on a somewhat tempestuous year of calamities and celebrations, the ying and yang that has somehow become our collective normal. The world did not come to an end as predicted by either or both or sides of the doomsday philosophers. The world continues to spin and God is still in control.

It is my hope and prayer that in the ensuing days, as 2024 turns into 2025, we can individually and collectively take a deep breath and a sigh of gratitude for this day and each day. During Advent, we focused on the pillars of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, culminating with God’s ultimate gift to us – His Son, Jesus.

Let us look back with gratitude and forward with hope as we both reflect and anticipate.

2025 will mark the 150 year anniversary of St. John’s Harmony. We have been entrusted with a rich and deep heritage, a continuing community of believers dedicated to preserving and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus and God’s bountiful goodness. We are both blessed and challenged with preserving our history and telling the old, old story in ways that are current and relevant using the tools and technology at our disposal. May we honor our heritage and embrace the future.    

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous, New Year

Blessings and Peace and Love,  

Pastor Dave