September 24, 2026

What a joy to meet with the Care and Comfort team each month. We review the membership list for updates and identify folks that may need some contact. We also review the prayer list and close our time praying for everyone on the prayer list. Prayer is a powerful spiritual mechanism for connection and support.  

There were three takeaways from our meeting this month that I want to share with you. First, we are looking into CPR and Defibrillator training. We will be better prepared in case there is an emergency, if we have trained people. Some will say, “but the defibrillator tells you exactly what to do.” Yes, and being reminded of the steps cautions someone in a panic from acting too quickly. We are grateful to be near the Westlake Fire Department. Be on the lookout for more news in the coming months. 

A second takeaway was the realization that we, the church, do not have emergency contact information for our members. There is a place in our membership database for such information. This information is important in case we cannot reach you or if something happens to you. This information will be held in confidence and only be given to those who need access to it. The suggestion was made to have an individual in addition to the spouse, for married couples. Be on the lookout for the easy access points for you to share this information with us.  

The third takeaway is how we are going to begin again the Birthday, Anniversary, Travel Blessings at the end of the worship service. Having the opportunity to bless you in these sacred moments is an honor for me as pastor. It also helps the congregation celebrate with you as they hold you in prayer. Just before the announcements, I will invite anyone who is having a birthday, anniversary or traveling to come forward. This will be done weekly, so I am leaving it up to you to decide when to come forward. If coming forward is a challenge, stand in your place or raise your hand. In other words, give me some indication that you have one of these three occasions to be blessed. We will corporately raise our hands in prayer, blessing whoever happens to be forward.  
​
These small shifts help us draw closer to one another. They remind us that amid the challenges of life, we are not alone. There is a great cloud of witnesses supporting and encouraging us as we live into the pathway God is leading us toward. When we feel discouraged or have something exciting to share; may we turn to one another. May we trust in the God who is always with us remembering the words of the Psalmist. “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.” (Psalm 15:4-5). ​