July 27 2026
Sunday’s Recap:
For this first Sunday Recap, I’m looking back on my first three weeks of ministry at Mountain Vista.
Rather than simply telling you my story, I wanted to introduce myself through the Scriptures that have most shaped my faith and ministry. I called this series “Formative Scriptures” because these passages continue to guide who I am as a pastor and the kind of community I hope we build together.
If there are three things I hope you remember from these first weeks, they are these:
God loves you, and there is nothing you can do about it. Love must come first in our spiritual formation.
Peace is created through restorative justice, not through retribution or by avoiding conflict when harm has been done.
Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Faith is trusting that God is with us even when we have questions.
These truths are simple, but they have deeply shaped my own journey of faith. My prayer is that they will also shape our life together as we become a community rooted in love, committed to peace with justice, and unafraid to ask honest questions as we grow in faith.
Monday’s Call:
This week, let’s continue reflecting on Sunday’s theme of faith, trust, and doubt. Consider practicing one (or more) of these spiritual disciplines throughout the week:
Pray for God’s presence.
When you’re facing a struggle, instead of asking God to simply fix the situation, try praying for God’s continued presence, wisdom, and guidance as you walk through it.
Write down your questions.
If you’ve been carrying difficult questions about God, faith, or the church, write them down. Bring them with you next Sunday—I would genuinely love to hear them.
Journal your journey.
Reflect on a belief you once held that later changed. What was that experience like? Were the people around you supportive? How did your faith grow through that process? If you’re still wrestling with those questions, where might God be inviting you to continue that journey today?
May God walk beside you this week, meeting you not only in certainty, but also in your questions.
-Pastor Matthew
No responses yet