Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who joined our interim conversation following worship last Sunday. If you weren’t able to attend, I invite you to watch the service on-demand here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IATsrXfdf2s&t=1s}

As we navigate this interim period together, your voice is the most vital part of the process. To ensure everyone has a seat at the table, please mark your calendars for our three upcoming Listening Sessions. These gatherings are designed to help us look backward with gratitude and forward with hope:

Sunday, February 22 | The PAST: We will reflect on our history immediately following worship. For those unable to join in person, a Zoom option will be provided.
Sunday, April 26 | The PRESENT: A session dedicated to where we find ourselves today.
Sunday, June 14 | The FUTURE: Our final session focusing on our vision for what’s next.

Strengthening Our Digital Presence

Many of you have asked for practical ways to support Talmadge Hill. One of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do is subscribe to our official YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@talmadgehillcommunitychurc6932/featured This is more than just a "follow"—it’s a way to help our message reach others. As our subscriber count grows, YouTube’s algorithm is more likely to recommend our livestreams to those seeking a spiritual community. By clicking subscribe, you help transform our digital space from a simple archive into a vibrant tool for sharing the love of God.

Looking Ahead to Sunday

This coming Sunday, I will be reflecting on Matthew 5:13-20, exploring Jesus’ call: "You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world." Drawing on David Brooks’ recent New York Times farewell column, [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/opinion/david-brooks-leaving-columnist.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwY2xjawPwnt1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFCWU1VMjg4ZXFtakVzNTdBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHozfrXymG1VahUCC7W4qBa-WBpyAd_XQoiQFUBxRJQBQyLHpbPdbmhOpoWcq_aem_uFENQw3dxEKgpX9nokoTyQ} we will consider how our church can participate in a "humanistic renaissance." We’ll explore how our path forward isn't found through technical fixes, but through an adaptive transformation rooted deeply in who God says we already are.

Whether you join us in the pews or through YouTube, please know that your presence makes a difference.

Mooi Loop,

Dries