As I approach the seventh year of pastoral leadership of FPCSLO, looking back, we have accomplished much together. Many if not most of the goals we set in 2005 have been achieved. We are a different congregation than we were then with a new staff and more than 175 new members in our ranks.

Jesus came to this world with a ministry of reconciliation. And he called his disciples to be agents of reconciliation. It’s hard work. That’s why Paul says “make every effort to keep the bond of unity,” because that is what it takes: “Every effort.” Reconciliation doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionality and purposeful hard work.