October 2026

October 4, 2026

My Dear Friends,

As we begin a new month and I settle into my role as your pastor, thank you for the beautiful service last weekend celebrating this new chapter for our community. The music, the presence of both Pastors Gary and Rick, and being surrounded by all of you was more than I ever expected. Alene and I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives for the first time in a very long time.

Two days this month deserve a mention.

World Communion Sunday is today, observed by many Christian denominations. It began in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, where the Reverend Doctor Hugh Thomas Kerr wanted to unite all Christians, and what better way than around the Lord's Supper! Here at NUCC we celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of every month, and as we gather, I hope our prayer reflects what Jesus spoke at the Last Supper: "I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one." (John 17:20)

October 31 is the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He wanted Christians to return to their roots, centered on Jesus Christ alone. The primary "solas" were:

1. Sola scriptura (scripture alone)

2. Sola fide (faith alone)

3. Sola gratia (grace alone)

4. Solus Christus (Christ alone)

5. Soli Deo gloria (to the glory of God alone)

In my years as a Roman Catholic Priest, this was not a day we celebrated. Yet as I enter this new chapter, I see how Luther's beliefs have shaped my own, especially Soli Deo gloria. Shortly after leaving ministry, I visited one of my brother priests. Father Bob gave me two things to reflect on as I discerned where God was calling me. The first was that every minister is striving for the same thing: to bring their members into a right relationship with Jesus Christ. The second was this: "Tim, God gave you a gift for ministry. Now you need to find a place where you can use your gifts again."

As your pastor, I am striving to glorify God and to help all of us find our way to heaven. My goal is to reach out to the surrounding community and I invite your suggestions for achieving this. I've set up a dedicated email address so church-related messages don't get lost in spam: pastortimkalista@gmail.com (please note it is different from my personal address). You can also call or text me at (440) 679-0648.

I will set up office hours in early November for anyone who would like to meet one-on-one for spiritual direction or to share hopes or concerns for our church as we continue to grow.

On a personal note, I will be away October 12–19 visiting family in Tennessee and helping my stepdaughter's family move into their new home. I'll be available by phone or email but not in person.

May God Bless You and Keep You,

Pastor Tim