June 5 Message From Rev. Tam

Greetings OCC Family,
 
Many of us have had a difficult week.
 
As a congregation, we have experienced loss. We have prayed for families. We have mourned with those who mourn. We have stood alongside one another through difficult news and challenging days. Times like these remind us how precious life is and how much we need one another. Times like these also remind us how much we need God.
 
Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” As your pastor, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on the Lord, especially when life is difficult. Continue to pray. Continue to worship. Continue to encourage one another. Continue to trust God.
 
Many of us have been touched by grief this week. We grieve because we have known deep love. The depth of our sorrow often reflects the depth of our love. The tears we shed speak to relationships that mattered, lives that touched our own, and memories that continue to live within us. Love for spouses. Love for siblings. Love for friends.
 
As we face loss, I encourage you to lean into the love of God. When our hearts are hurting, God’s love provides comfort. When the road ahead feels difficult, God’s love provides strength. When the tears come, God’s love meets us with mercy and compassion. May God’s love surround every grieving heart and remind us that we never walk through sorrow alone.
 
What encourages me is knowing that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances. God’s goodness is greater than our sorrow. God’s love is greater than our grief and God’s promises are greater than our fears.
 
Church family, we will walk through these days together. We will pray together. We will support one another. We will continue to be the Church. Please keep the families who are grieving in your prayers. Reach out with a phone call, a card, a meal, or a word of encouragement. Small acts of kindness can become powerful reminders of God’s love.
 
As we march on, may we place our confidence in the Lord and trust the One who has been faithful through every generation.
 
The same God who has seen us through every challenge, every disappointment, every sorrow, and every celebration is with us today.
 
Take heart, Church.
God is good.
God is faithful.
God is present.
 
With God’s help, we will be alright.
 
With love and prayers,
Rev. Tam