Christmas Letter from Pastor Jim and Karen

Dear Ones,
2017 was a year of great challenge for us.
Lyle (Karen’s dad) died in early September after having been diagnosed with terminal cancer a little more than a month before. We miss Papa Lyle greatly. His spunk and spirit made our world brighter.
Kristen, David. Dashiel and Dayton made a significant change in lifestyle, sold their home in Oakland and moved to a beautiful seven-acre property in Cottage Grove, Oregon at the southern tip of the Willamette Valley. It is a great move for them but a sad one for us. We miss having them five minutes away.
By any measure we live in troubled times. As a people we seem to have lost the ability to think, speak, deliberate and decide honestly, thoughtfully or wisely. There is a heaviness that permeates the soul of our nation.
In the midst of the challenges 2017 was a year of re-learning to appreciate the simple gifts of family, friends, pets, the trails, church, rowing and the 2017 NBA Champions the Golden State Warriors.
An admonition delivered by our oldest grandsons, Dash and Henry, at a family birthday celebration captures well the needed perspective. As they finished their birthday cake and eyed some freshly baked cookies they announced “You have to finish cake before you get some cookies!”
Challenges abound but there is indeed cake and cookies to be shared along the way. It is best to savor each gift before rushing on. Let us finish our cake before we eat our cookies. May we each find ways to celebrate the joy of Christmas before we give ourselves over to the concerns of 2018.
We are glad you are in our lives,
Karen and Jim
P.S.  We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, Christmas Eve, Our services will be at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m..