The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, and His mercies never come to an end. As we move forward from election season, we find ourselves in need of this reminder from Lamentations 3:22-24. “The Lord is my portion,” says the writer, “therefore I will hope in Him.” This scripture speaks to a fundamental truth for us as a faith community: our hope is rooted not in leaders or political outcomes but in the unchanging, faithful love of God.

Each election season stirs a range of emotions—hope, frustration, relief, and anxiety. But in all of this, scripture invites us to hold onto the reality that God’s mercies renew each morning. His love and faithfulness aren’t dependent on who holds office. Instead, they are constants, carrying us through seasons of uncertainty and change alike. This promise calls us to unity, not as those defined by political affiliation but as brothers and sisters in faith who place their ultimate hope in God’s sustaining presence.

When we say, "The Lord is my portion," we declare that our security and peace do not rest in policies or people but in God alone. This truth transcends our differences and grounds us in a shared purpose. As the church, we are called to be a people of compassion, justice, and hope, no matter the political landscape.

​So, as we engage in discussions, continue our work in the community, and support one another, let us embody the mercies that we ourselves receive. Let us listen, extend grace, and bear witness to the peace that only God can provide.

May this new season be a time to refocus, remember, and renew our commitment to love God and love others. We look to the Lord, our portion and our hope, who remains faithful to all generations.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will HOPE in Him."  Lamentations 3:22-24

As we find ourselves at the heart of another Election Day, it’s hard to ignore the division and tension that often arise in these times. Today, as we cast our ballots and make choices for our country’s future, the words of the Lord's Prayer remind us of a higher calling: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. This line challenges us to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to a God whose holiness transcends political agendas. As we pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven," we’re reminded that we, as Christians, have a responsibility to pursue unity, justice, and peace, not only in our communities but in our nation as well. Our votes should reflect these divine values, aiming to bring a glimpse of God's kingdom here on earth.

The Lord's Prayer also calls us to rely on God for our daily needs: Give us today our daily bread. This line shifts our focus from a self-centered approach to one that sees our needs as part of a collective dependence on God. Election Day brings up countless debates about policies that affect our livelihoods, but the prayer asks us to trust God to provide for us all, not just for our individual gain. It’s a call to recognize the needs of our neighbors, remembering that the choices we make today impact their "daily bread" too. When we pray for God’s provision, we also pray for wisdom to act in ways that ensure everyone has what they need to thrive, aligning our choices with a spirit of compassion and solidarity.

Finally, we are reminded of forgiveness and the power it has to heal and reconcile: Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. In a time when political opinions can feel deeply personal, Jesus' words challenge us to release resentment and division. When we vote and advocate for what we believe, let us also make room for grace, even when we disagree. We ask God to deliver us from the evil one, to keep us from falling into the traps of bitterness and hatred that can so easily ensnare us. May we strive to be peacemakers, pursuing a unity that reflects God’s love for all people, even in our differences. Today, as we fulfill our civic duty, may the Lord's Prayer guide us toward a vision of God’s kingdom, grounded in forgiveness, humility, and love for one another.

Let us learn and pray the Lord’s Prayer daily and together.
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.”  - Matthew 6:9-14

For Yours is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory forever.  Amen

Dear UP Family,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting deeply on what gratitude means for us this year. For many of us, it’s been a season of challenges, whether work, relationships, church or families. We’re also facing a time of political division that weighs on our hearts and spirits, affecting our families, friendships, and even the unity within our community. Yet, here we are, held together by a faith stronger than any challenge we face.

In moments like these, I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). Paul wasn’t writing from a place of comfort; he knew hardship and persecution, yet his gratitude flowed from a deeper well—his trust in God’s faithfulness. This Thanksgiving, I invite us to lean on that same wellspring of gratitude, even when it feels hard to do so.  I want to share with you 3 reflections to take with us in this new month of November:

A Thankful Heart in Uncertain Times
Gratitude is not about ignoring our difficulties. It’s about finding strength and hope in God’s presence with us through them. When we gather to worship each Sunday, we create a space of encouragement and support where we can bring our burdens to the cross and experience God’s peace. Let us give thanks, not only for the blessings we see but for the unseen ways God sustains us and our church community. Every prayer, every small act of faith, and every shared moment together reflects God’s care for us.

Unity in Community
Thanksgiving reminds us that we are not alone. We belong to each other, and we belong to God. In a time when the world around us seems to pull people apart, our church stands as a place where all are welcome, loved, and valued. Let’s lean into this community by reaching out, by being present for one another, and by choosing kindness and understanding over division. I believe that when we choose unity, even in a polarized season, we reflect the heart of Jesus and show the world what God’s love looks like in action.

Generosity and Hope
Our struggles are real, yet God continues to provide, often in surprising ways.  When we trust Him and share what we have, we experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving.  It’s an opportunity to show the world—and remind ourselves—that our hope does not rest in circumstances or politics but in the promises of God.  As we give, whether through our time, our talents, or our resources, we reflect a Kingdom vision that is bigger and more enduring than any hardship we face.

I am grateful for each of you and the faith you bring to our church family.  My prayer is that this Thanksgiving season renews our hearts, strengthens our bonds, and fills us with a resilient hope.  May we remember that even in tough times, God’s love and grace are constant.  Together, we can keep going, not just physically but spiritually, as a beacon of hope and love for all who seek it.

​With a thankful heart,
Pastor Temo Rios