Pastor's Reflection 2025-12-18
“See, I am doing a new thing… now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
Happy New Year, Wesley friends! There’s something about turning the page on your calendar to the month of January (remember when we did that?). This always feels like I was experiencing a fresh start, like walking on a beach where there were no footsteps previously. Even if the previous year was challenging, or the world had felt unsettled; the new year is always full of possibilities. It whispers to us, “Yeah, this is a fresh start!”
Scripture is full of moments when God nudges people toward a new chapter. Isaiah’s words were spoken to the people when they were tired, discouraged, and unsure of the future. God spoke directly to them with words of hope, “I am doing a new thing.” God did not say “Hey, I’m sorry you’re tired and discouraged but you are on your own”. God said, “You may not know this, but I am already at work; look for those places where I am doing something new for you.” I truly appreciate Isaiah’s words. They remind me that new beginnings don’t depend on my own efforts. New beginnings flow from God’s steady and always renewing Spirit!
As we step into 2026, Luz and I are living our own version of “new beginnings.” After three moves in three years, we are preparing to have our fourth and final (we hope) move in as many years. In January we will be moving into the newly renovated Mineta House. (Please see an article in this newsletter about the Mineta House dedication and open house.). I can’t tell you how grateful we are. There’s something symbolic about moving at the start of a new year: packing up the old boxes, letting go of what we don’t need, holding onto what still matters, and entering a new space and creating a new future.
Beginnings don’t just happen on the personal level. Our church is also stepping into a new chapter in 2026. We have new ministries taking shape, new goals around growth and community engagement, a new capital campaign, and a renewed sense of our mission in Japantown. And on January 10th, we’ll gather for our second Discovery Session with Rev. Sam Yun as part of our Strategic Planning process. These sessions are helping us listen more deeply to each other, clarify our direction, and dream boldly about Wesley’s future. God will certainly do new things at Wesley in 2026!
I am grateful to start another year with you all! I pray that 2026 will be a year of fresh grace, restored energy, deeper faith, good health and surprising joy for all of you.
With gratitude,
John
Scripture is full of moments when God nudges people toward a new chapter. Isaiah’s words were spoken to the people when they were tired, discouraged, and unsure of the future. God spoke directly to them with words of hope, “I am doing a new thing.” God did not say “Hey, I’m sorry you’re tired and discouraged but you are on your own”. God said, “You may not know this, but I am already at work; look for those places where I am doing something new for you.” I truly appreciate Isaiah’s words. They remind me that new beginnings don’t depend on my own efforts. New beginnings flow from God’s steady and always renewing Spirit!
As we step into 2026, Luz and I are living our own version of “new beginnings.” After three moves in three years, we are preparing to have our fourth and final (we hope) move in as many years. In January we will be moving into the newly renovated Mineta House. (Please see an article in this newsletter about the Mineta House dedication and open house.). I can’t tell you how grateful we are. There’s something symbolic about moving at the start of a new year: packing up the old boxes, letting go of what we don’t need, holding onto what still matters, and entering a new space and creating a new future.
Beginnings don’t just happen on the personal level. Our church is also stepping into a new chapter in 2026. We have new ministries taking shape, new goals around growth and community engagement, a new capital campaign, and a renewed sense of our mission in Japantown. And on January 10th, we’ll gather for our second Discovery Session with Rev. Sam Yun as part of our Strategic Planning process. These sessions are helping us listen more deeply to each other, clarify our direction, and dream boldly about Wesley’s future. God will certainly do new things at Wesley in 2026!
I am grateful to start another year with you all! I pray that 2026 will be a year of fresh grace, restored energy, deeper faith, good health and surprising joy for all of you.
With gratitude,
John
Posted in Newsletter 2025-12-18