This is the new/old pastor, Gary Witkop. I started here on August 1, of 2019 as the new pastor for Community In Christ. I am excited for this ministry. This is actually my second time serving CIC, hence the new/old reference. I served here from 1995 until 2009 in my previous service in this church. In the gap between then and now I served as the Regional Pastor for the Western Region of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Now I'm back, and for my wife Debra and I, it is coming home. We are home to our home church where we are excited to serve once again.

Now, just because we were here before, doesn't mean things will return to what they were. In the 9 1/2 years that I did the other ministry, many things have changed. As President Larson said in his message when he installed me as the new pastor here on Aug. 4, "Many things have changed, Pastor Gary changed, the community changed and this church has changed." All that to say, while we are coming home, it will be different. The one thing that hasn't changed is the Lord. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8. I am so thankful that He never changes. So much in this world changes constantly, but we can rest in our creator for he never changes.

May the God who never changes, bring his unchanging presence and power to Community In Christ as together, we move forward in ministry to the people of CIC and to the community around it. There are many who need Jesus and we are here to bring the unchanging Savior to the people of this community. And why would we want to do that? Because Jesus has what the people around here need, the life changing message of the cross. Jesus Christ died to save sinners, and we are all in need of his saving grace.

youth convention happened On July 20th - 24th.