Letter from the Pastor
January 2026
Dear Friends,
A new year invites reflection, for us as individuals, and for us as the church. It also invites hope. We do not step into 2026 alone or uncertain of God’s presence. Scripture reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3: 22-23). That promise is where we begin.
As we look ahead, we can name a small set of faithfulness metrics for the year. These are not resolutions meant to pressure or exhaust us. They are not measures of success by worldly standards. Instead, they are gentle markers to help us notice how God is at work among us – and how we are responding with faith, care, and trust.
We are a small and aging congregation. Scripture assures us that God’s purposes have nothing to do with size or strength. “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish . . . they still bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92: 13-14). Our season of life together is not an obstacle to God’s work; it is part of God’s story here
at Plymouth PC.
In the coming year, faithfulness can look like continuing to gather for worship and prayer, week by week, trusting that Christ meets us when we do – even when attendance is small or energy limited. It will look like caring for one another intentionally, making sure every household receives personal contact and that those who are homebound are not forgotten.
We can also create space for simple opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship – a short Bible conversation, a hymn sing, a prayer gathering – nothing elaborate, just chances to be together and listen for God’s voice. Participation may ebb and flow, and that’s okay.
Faithfulness can also mean looking beyond our walls, in modest ways, supporting a local ministry or service project, offering what we have – prayer, presence, or resources – rather than worrying about how much we can do.
We can practice wise and careful stewardship, aiming to meet our expenses and take small steps toward sustainability, so that this congregation can remain a place of worship and care for years to come. And we can keep extending simple, genuine welcome to anyone who visits, trusting God with who comes and when.
Finally, we can take small steps to care for God’s creation, remembering that even modest changes can reflect gratitude for the world God loves.
Our resolutions for the year can reflect these commitments: steady worship, accessible opportunities for faith and fellowship, intentional care for every household, shared acts of service, sustainable stewardship, and small steps of creation care. The apostle Paul reminds us, “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful”
(I Corinthians 4: 2).
We step into 2026 trusting not in our strength, but in God’s promise: “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28: 20). And that promise is reason enough for hope.
Pastor Peter Blank