LETTER FROM KATIE • July 15, 2026

Almond Blossom, Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), oil on canvas, 73.3 cm x 92.4 cm
Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

One of my favorite songs inspired by Sunday's Gospel—the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 13—is Good Tree by the Hillbilly Thomists. There is one lyric that catches me every time:

Even when I'm oldI still will beStill full of sap, still green.That's what I want to be.Oh, to be a good tree.

Isn't that a beautiful hope for the Christian life—that we would continue to put down deep roots and bear fruit, even into old age?

That's my hope for Holy Comforter. I want us to become a church where people put down deep roots in Christ and continue to grow throughout their lives—where, by God's grace, our lives display his glory and become a source of shelter, welcome, and blessing for others.

One of the ways we're exploring living out that vision is by bringing worship to people who can no longer come to church themselves.

On Sunday evening, we welcomed Rev. Mike Niebauer from Heritage Mission, who shared that while seven out of ten Americans will spend time in long-term care, many residents receive few or no visitors, and many facilities have no regular opportunity for Christian worship. For many residents, moving into long-term care also means losing regular access to worship, Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion.

Heritage Mission exists to bridge that gap by equipping volunteers from local churches to lead worship and bring the life of the Church into care facilities. You can learn more about their ministry here.

As we listened, it seemed clear that this is a real need in our community. And so we are beginning to pray about whether God is inviting Holy Comforter to be part of this work. I'd be grateful if you would join in that discernment.

I'll be on vacation from July 20–August 2. From August 3–17, I'll be working remotely while caring for my dad as he recovers from surgery. During that time, I'll still be available by phone, text, and email, though my response times may be a bit slower than usual.

Much love,
Katie