Siblings in Christ, we have once again enjoyed and re-lived the blessing of the Advent Season of peace, love, joy and hope.  With the lighting of these candles and the Christ Candle we renewed our focus on these extremely important tenets that represent what the coming of the Christ-child calls us to exemplify.  Yes, peace, love joy and hope!  Given the unprecedented events that we have experienced during 2025, let us lean into 2026 with a radical abundance of hope.  Believers have had to contend with distractions, cruelty, hatred and divisiveness by spiritual forces of evil in high places.  Yet, there are many reasons to practice hope in 2026.   

As believers, we should stand firm in God’s armor and authority because Christ has already triumphed over and disarmed the evil forces with his work on the cross.  We have likewise been given the authority, ability and assignment to carry out the Lordship of Christ with the clear understanding that no opposition to the authority of Christ will ever be successful.  Courage and strength in difficult times requires hope, which is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  We will always have hope because our hope is in the Lord.   

You are invited to join us for Laity Convocation 2026.  Our theme is, “Moving Forward With Hope.”  See the details to the right. Please join us with the authority that Christ has given each of us to persevere.   

The Board of Laity is sending up prayers that we might all stand firm in our hope with the courage and strength to face the uncertainties of 2026.  Go with God and be well.