April 19 Message From Rev. Tam

Greetings OCC Family,
 
Do you truly believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God?
Well, you are. 
 
Every person who comes through the doors of our church, all who worship in our sanctuary, every BODY who is among us, including those who are home-centered, God has created each one of us with holy reverence and breathtaking love. Psalm 139 (NKJV) says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
 
Psalm 139 is a scripture that declares more than something uplifting. It calls us into a truth that we should live into. It is a declaration that invites us to see ourselves and one another as God sees us, as marvelous works created with purpose, love, and importance.
 
All of us. Every single one.
 
We witnessed this marvelous-ness among us this past Sunday in a way that was beautiful to experience.
 
Disability Sunday was a true gift to our congregation, to our community, and to the heart of God. Liz and Doug, who joined us from Joni and Friends, said their hearts were genuinely warmed by the generosity, kindness, and worship they experienced with us. We are so grateful for their coming, their dedication, and their ministry to those who live in the margins of society. We will continue to pray for them and their ministry.
 
A BIG thank you also belongs to June and Phil, whose encouragement planted the intentionality of Disability Sunday, creating space for our doors to open wider. We are richer because of it. There is much to celebrate in how Orchard Covenant Church embodies inclusive ministry in such a loving and thoughtful way.
 
Sunday offered a glimpse of the kind of community God calls us to be. A place where every person is received with dignity, where every BODY matters, and where love makes room without question. A call like this must continue beyond one gathering, becoming part of how we speak, how we welcome, and how we walk with one another always.
 
The Body of Christ is complete when all are welcomed, seen, and loved. Let us be a church who continues to live this out daily. For today, celebrate the goodness that was extended through this community on Disability Sunday. 
 
We are Doing Good Work and I See You,
Rev. Tam