September 6, 2026

My Dear Parishioners,

As we begin this new month and a new season in the life of our Church, I wanted to share a little

more about myself and my plans as we move forward together.

I am so grateful to God and to each of you for the opportunity to serve and lead this

congregation. On August 23, I spoke about my call to ministry as a young man, a call that

ultimately led to my ordination to the priesthood in 2003. Something I didn't share was the word

I was instructed to say before being ordained:

PRESENT!

In the Roman Catholic Church, before a man can be called to Holy Orders, he undergoes a

rigorous examination process in which he is subjected to many tests and psychological

evaluations. I entered the seminary at the age of nineteen, and because I struggled academically,

there were many times during the next ten years when I wondered if I'd make it through. But the

one thing that kept me going was my desire to serve. And when the day finally came for my

ordination, my bishop called me forward, and I spoke:

PRESENT!

Today I speak that same word to you. I promise to be PRESENT-to listen, to walk with you, to

pray with you, and to serve alongside you so that together we can encounter Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday, I spoke about the Samaritan woman who, after encountering Jesus, went out and

told others about Him. My hope is that we, too, will experience that transformation. When we

truly encounter Christ, we cannot help but share the Good News with others.

So, what do we need to do to bring Jesus to others? We can encounter Him in our Bibles, in our

community, and in the breaking of the bread.

In the Bible

Someone once asked me, "Do you know what the word BIBLE means?" Seeing my confusion,

he replied, "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!" I have never forgotten that.

The Bible, much like the manual that comes with our cars, is meant to provide us with direction

for our lives. It teaches us not only how to live, but also how to love.

Paul reminds us in Romans, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who

loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8).

While this command seems simple, what does it really mean to love? It means to forgive. In my

own life, I've had to forgive many people even when I didn't want to. I suspect that many of you

can say the same. Yet, as Christians, this is what we are all called to do. So, as we begin this

month, let us make a conscious effort to forgive, just as Jesus forgave us.

In Our Community

The first time I entered this Church, the one thing both Alene and I immediately felt was

welcomed. Everyone went out of their way to introduce themselves and get to know us. Your

hospitality made a lasting impression. As we grow together as a community of faith, my hope is

that everyone who enters this Church will experience that same welcome.

This week, as we go about our tasks-at work, in the checkout line at the grocery store, or

wherever our paths may take us-let us remember to show kindness to those we encounter and to

extend the Love of Jesus to those who may not know or believe in Him.

This week, as we go about our daily lives at work, in the checkout line at the grocery store, at

the bank, or wherever our paths may take us-let us remember to show kindness to the people

we encounter.

In the Breaking of the Bread

This morning we will participate in the Lord's Supper. This meal is more than a ritual we

celebrate. It is an opportunity to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 13:14).

As we receive the bread and wine, we remember what Jesus did for us on the night before He

died. We remember His sacrifice, His love, and His invitation to become more like Him. It is

meant to transform us. Just as we awoke this morning and put on our clothes, now we can clothe

ourselves in the love of Christ. We allow Him to work in us, through us, and even when we

sometimes get in the way-despite us!

PRESENT!

This word has taken on a new meaning for me. It is the word I spoke when I first answered my

call to the priesthood, and it is the word I intend to live out now as your new pastor.

Once I become more acclimated to my role, I will establish office hours. For now, please use my

cell phone for any needs you may have: 440-679-0648.

If it is an emergency and you reach my voicemail, please call my wife, Alene, and she will know

how to get in contact with me: 440-679-1256.

Be assured of my prayers for each of you and please continue to keep me in yours.

In the Love of Jesus,

Pastor Tim