I am filled with great joy and excitement as I begin to serve the Rockwood Church of God and the surrounding community as pastor. Kris and I feel confident that God has called us here to love and serve both the church and community.

It is no great surprise to anyone that there has been much change and transition in our world and in the church. As I have been working with congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington, I have witnessed those changes firsthand. Many of our churches are struggling with shrinking attendance and diminishing budgets. Many churches are growing older and struggling to attract young people to participate in the life of the church. The COVID-19 pandemic, social and political unrest has only heightened the challenges. The good news is, God is still present and at work in our world. God is present and at work in our neighborhood’s, wooing people to come and be a part of the Kingdom of God. And here is more good news, God’s plan is that we partner with God in the mission to bring the Kingdom of God here to Rockwood as it is in heaven. You might be asking, what does it look like to bring God’s Kingdom to Rockwood or to my neighborhood. Or you might even be asking what is God’s Kingdom? These are just a couple of the big questions I hope to explore with you as I become your pastor.

I believe that the goal of every follower of Jesus and every fellowship that gathers in His name is to become more like Jesus every day. To make progress on this journey, we need to ask what Jesus’ highest priority was. During an encounter with the religious leaders of the day, Jesus was asked what was most important, here is his answer:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-39.

Sounds easy right? Unfortunately, it isn’t. I am looking forward to spending many years together exploring and living out what it looks like to love God and our neighborhood. I am also excited about traveling together to become more like Jesus every day.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jerry