Connection and Invitation – St. Nick’s News Feb. 7, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for February 7, 2025

Dear Friends,

This past summer, Jeremy and I learned about the beautiful Māori concept of family: whānau (pronounced fah-no). In Māori culture, whānau goes beyond immediate relatives — it includes extended family, ancestors, and those connected through shared experiences and purpose. It’s a word that embodies belonging, responsibility, and care. Relationships are central to whānau, and through shared experiences, these bonds grow stronger.

That understanding of whānau aligns so well with what it means to be a church family. Church is not just about formal membership or attending services; it’s about showing up for each other, growing in faith, and sharing life’s joys and challenges. Just as whānau is about connection and care, a church family thrives when we live in intentional, Christ-centered community.

This weekend, we hear the story of Jesus calling his first disciples in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus didn’t just ask them to follow Him — He invited them into deep community. Over time, these disciples became His friends, and through His death and resurrection, they became family. They became whānau.

We have plenty of opportunities to live into this sense of family as a church this weekend. Tonight, we’re gathering for Galentines, a celebration for the women in our church, and Palentines, a grilling event for the men. On Saturday morning, we come together to work on our spiritual home during our workday from 8 to 11 a.m. — all ages are welcome! And of course, Sunday is a time for worship and celebration as we baptize Justin and Joanna at our 9:30 a.m. service.

As we enter this weekend, let’s reflect on what it means to truly be whānau — the family of God. How can we make room for one another, ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and supported? How can we encourage a culture where love, belonging, and responsibility flourish, just as in whānau? Jesus shows us the way. Now it’s up to us to live it out.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+