A Message From Tim

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Life in the church, like life itself, includes seasons of change. While transitions can stir uncertainty, they also open space for fresh growth, reflection, and renewed trust in God’s faithfulness. This summer, the church will go through a time of pastoral transition when my family and I leave, but my hope is that this becomes that chance for fresh and continued growth in each of your spiritual lives. So, I wanted to leave with a few resources and recommendations to help you continue to grow no matter the season you’re experiencing:

• Read Scripture regularly — The Psalms are great companions during times of change; or you could continue our study of John by turning to the three Johannine epistles. The Bible Project (bibleproject.com) offers excellent short videos and reading plans to help you understand Scripture with clarity and depth. Their Read Scripture app is a great place to start.
  Pray with purpose — Whether using written prayers, silence, or journaling, deepening your prayer life will help steady your heart. Adele Calhoun’s Spiritual Disciplines Handbook offers a wide range of creative and traditional/historic ways to engage with God, including practices like Lectio Divina and breath prayer.
• Read something nourishing —
  • Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a short but profound reflection on what it means to live in Christian community. Written while Bonhoeffer was leading an underground seminary in Nazi Germany, it reminds us that our life together, centered in Christ, is itself a testimony of hope and grace.
  • A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson walks through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) with insight and pastoral reflections of how the Christian experience is marked by endurance and hope.
• Stay connected — Keep showing up to worship, participate in the life of the church, encourage one another and spend time together in fellowship! Even small acts of connection and service make a big difference in the life of a community.

Transitions are never easy, but we do not walk them alone. Christ, the true Shepherd of the Church, goes before you and walks beside you. God’s purposes for this congregation are not on hold; they are unfolding even now. As I prepare to leave for my new call, I want to reiterate how grateful I am for my time at Fairview and with each of you. You have shaped me, encourage me, laughed and prayed with me – and it’s been one of the greatest gifts and joys of my life to be your pastor for the last 7 years. Ginny and I will carry good memories and deep affection as we go, and will continue to root and pray for y’all with love, hope and confidence for what comes next!  

With Love and Gratitude,
Tim Latham

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