Announcements

Why I Run

“I love to run.”

That is usually my answer when someone asks me, “What is your hobby?” Among many things that bring me joy—gardening, reading, playing guitar, playing chess, watching movies—running has a special place in my heart.

Why?

Because when I run, I often experience God’s presence. I think of Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medalist who refused to run his race on Sunday because he believed that honoring God came first. He once said, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running was not just something he did; it was an act of worship.

For me, running has also become a spiritual practice. In the beginning, running was simply something Joyce and I enjoyed together. We often used to jog early in the morning. Those quiet moments became precious times of conversation and connection.

Then last fall, I read Haruki Murakami’s memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. For Murakami, running and writing are deeply connected. Both require daily discipline. Both cannot depend on yesterday’s effort. They grow slowly, one step and one word at a time. He ran marathons, ultra marathons, and triathlons. Through running, he trained not only his body but also his mind. He chose the difficult path rather than the shortcut. One of his principles was that he would not walk during a race, even if he had to slow his pace.

As I reflected on his words, I realized that the same principle applies to my spiritual life, my preaching, and my ministry. Following Jesus is a daily journey. Spiritual growth happens neither through shortcuts nor overnight. It happens one faithful step at a time.

As I run, I often ask myself:“Who am I?”“Why am I doing what I am doing?”“What is God calling me to become?”

At the finish line of life, one word I hope people who know me well will say is “congruence.”I want to pursue a life where my private life and public life are the same, where my words and actions match, and where my being and doing are connected. As a follower of Christ and as a pastor, I find my calling in the ministry of Jesus. Although Jesus did many things, Matthew summarizes his ministry in three ways:

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”(Matthew 4:23)

I want to follow his example. First, I want to be a pastor who faithfully preaches. I want to be a faithful interpreter who connects the biblical world with our world today. I want to honor the Word of God and not simply speak about it, but first seek to live it. Each week, I am given the gift of time to prepare and proclaim God’s Word, and I want to use that gift well.

Second, I want to be a pastor who makes disciples. A good leader must first be a good follower. Before helping others become disciples of Jesus, I must continue becoming a disciple myself. I want to be a faithful steward of the 3 T’s God has entrusted to me: time, talents, and treasure.

Third, I want to be a pastor who cares for God’s sheep. I cannot heal every sickness as Jesus did, but I can visit the sick, encourage the lonely, listen to those who are hurting, and feed those who are hungry. I believe these are also expressions of Christ’s healing love.

For me, following Jesus and running are deeply connected. Both require faithfulness. Both require endurance. Both require taking the next step. So today, I run, not to prove myself, but to remember my calling.  One step at a time. One day at a time.  Would you join me on this journey?

May we continue to run the race of faith together, keeping our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Victor

I am pleased to  share with you about the National Youth Conference called “YOUTH2027” in which we will be attending with our young people from SYUMC. This event will be an unforgettable journey of discipleship, fellowship and worship!

WHAT: “YOUTH 2027” is the national gathering for United Methodist (UMC) youth groups and their adult leaders. Is held only every 4 years in a different city.

FOCUS: The theme is “PROX”…

PROX [adjective] Rooted in the Latin word proximus – which can mean both nearest and next – the theme invites us to pay attention to what is close at hand while stepping faithfully into what comes next. We will come away with a new sense of what it means to being proximate and responsive in faith and action.

DATES: July 11 – 14, 2027 (Our travel dates: Saturday, July 10 for arrival into Dallas, and Wednesday, July 14 for departure).

WHO CAN ATTEND: Youth in 6^th Grade – 12^th Grade, and their Adult Leaders.

WHERE: Dallas, Texas. Under one roof, the Conference and Lodging are held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Tower, 300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, Texas.

CORE ACTIVITIES: Large group worship sessions, over 30 interactive workshops, community-building connectional events, and hands-on service mission projects.

CONFERENCE LEADER: Chris Wilterdink, who serves as Executive Director of Congregational Vitality and Intentional Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Chris has a BA in English Education, and an MS in Project Management, and over 15 years of local-church youth ministry experience. He is passionate about leadership and faith development in young people and helping ministry leaders understand their value in the lives of young people.

As we continue planning for this life-changing faith event in which we will be joining over 2500 people from all over the US and a handful of other countries, we thank you for your support, and more importantly your prayers. We may be the ones physically attending this conference however, by God’s grace you all will be going with us in spirit by the many way’s you have touched our children lives enabling this journey to be realized.  Much heartfelt gratitude to Julie Kennie and Connie Swedlund for their amazing effort and enthusiasm to team up with us!Official registration will open in about a month, in which time I will share more details as to the financial commitment for each participant. In the meantime, we are planning special events and special ways the children can help with the cost. I have also been in touch with conference, and we are a good candidate to be awarded Grant money. Knowing God has put this on our hearts, for our young people to have this opportunity to be a part of this powerful faith experience is truly a blessing! Gathering together at a conference like this is far more valuable than any exposure we in the local church could ever give to our youth.

Special thank you to Cookie and Buzz Barry for lovingly welcoming all of us to their home for a wonderful visit! It was truly a gift to be in one another’s company, such happy memories of our first outing with Pastor Victor and the Han family. 

With God’s blessings and love,

Valerie Jansson

Director of Children and Youth Ministries

In September the Transition Team will begin hosting neighborhood gatherings of church members to meet with Pastor Victor to share thoughts, concerns and ideas about our church community.  If you are interested in hosting one of these gatherings in your home, please contact Linda Tucker.