DEAR MENLO CHURCH,

What a year it was! Do we review or look forward?

I want to be like the Apostle Paul, who wrote, "Forgetting what is behind, I press on toward the high calling of Jesus Christ."

After battling the COVID pandemic, after the riots of January 6, after hardship in the church, after floods and fires, I sense we're all needing to press on into the new year.

So, what's new? What's next?

People of faith believe that life is a story, and perhaps it's time we begin a new chapter. Many of our favorite stories have memorable beginnings. Tell me the beginning, and I’ll give you the story:

Long ago in a galaxy far away... (too easy, Star Wars)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... (one of my favorites, Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities)

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit... (The Lord of the Rings)

What would you add to this list of memorable beginnings to great stories?

Let me give you one more: In the beginning, God created…

My family went to see the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition over the holidays. The power of seeing the creation story ten feet away rather than sixty gave new life.

Similarly, we want Menlo Church to revisit the creation story and see afresh not only how we were put into existence, but why. We hope you'll join us for worship onsite or online, as we explore just what we were made for.

Also, we'll be refreshing our commitment to community. Next Sunday, head to Info Central, where people are available to help you find others to journey with; we hope you’ll give it a chance. And, whether you're new to Menlo Church or have been around for years, we encourage you to participate in Starting Point next month, which is a great next step into the Menlo Church community. Additionally, we’re already excited about our Lenten series, where we'll look at how the community of God gathers around Jesus.

I’ll also ask you to continue to pray for our search for the next Senior Pastor at Menlo Church. The committee has been diligently looking at preaching all around the country (indeed, around the world!), and will be arranging interviews in the months going forward.

What’s NEXT? The Psalmist says we can not know the future, but we can know how to live into that uncertainty. “Teach us to number our days that we might gain a heart of wisdom,” says Psalm 90, and that’s my prayer for you, our beloved community.

With you,

John Crosby, Transitional Pastor

HAVE YOU ATTENDED STARTING POINT?

If not, now is the time! Meet other congregants, learn more about Menlo Church, and discover new ways to get connected. Whether you’ve been around for years or are new to Menlo Church, this five-week course is the perfect way to take a next step and go deeper with our community. LEARN MORE

DO YOU LONG FOR DEEPER COMMUNITY?

If you’ve been through Starting Point but haven’t yet found a place to connect at Menlo Church, join a Life Group! These small groups meet regularly, offer a place to be yourself, and grow authentic relationships with God and one another. Options are available for all schedules and life circumstances. EXPLORE GROUPS

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT TOWN HALL

Sunday, February 6, 2022. Gather together virtually with Elders, staff, and other congregants to focus on community, pray, and hear church news. Mark your calendar. Details to come.

SET YOUR RELATIONSHIP UP FOR SUCCESS

Our pre-marital mentoring program is designed for seriously dating, engaged, and newly married couples. You'll be paired with a trained mentor couple who you will meet with for six sessions. This research-based program has led to improved relationships and satisfaction. LEARN MORE