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January 2026 Newsletter

 Momentum...

Meet our new grandson
John Michael Clark!

Momentum is a funny thing in church planting. It's when things feel good. There are new faces and new things happening. There seems to be an excitement around the community.

I think over the last month we've experienced some momentum. It's interesting that this has happened now because for most of the last month we had to meet in the basement of the church while the sanctuary was being repainted. This created some inconvenience and "funkiness" to our Sunday and Christmas services. But at the same time... it also created some momentum. 

In all this I'm reminded of something St. Paul said, "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth," (1 Corinthians 3:7). Whatever has been happening, I'm thankful for what God is doing and how he is causing our little church plant to grow.

Updates:

  • A huge praise was that our daughter Elena Clark gave birth to John Michael Clark on December 26th! Mom and baby are doing well! 
  • We were able to have all our kids and their families home for Christmas.
  • We had some wonderful services over Christmas tide! 
  • We're getting close to averaging 50 folks on Sunday's.
  • We've seen new folks come and stay with us.
  • We're seeing some new volunteers and leaders emerge.
  • We were able to raise $7,025 for our year end gift! This will allow us to give towards the sanctuary painting and begin providing financial support for our music ministers. Thank you for your support! 
Prayer:
  • For a new ministry initiative we're beginning called Table Groups that will allow for monthly fellowship and evening prayer for our people.
  • For wisdom and direction for those at Shalom who are involved in serving the immigrant community here in Kitsap. 
  • For Fr. Rob and all the clergy of the Cascadia Diocese as we go away in a few weeks for our annual clergy retreat. Pray for rest, renewal, and fellowship! 
  • For those who are exploring Christianity and who regularly attend Shalom. 
  • For wisdom as we seek what God has next for us as we are close to entering our third year!
For the Shalom of Kitsap,

Fr. Rob Steinbach


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