01/25/2026
SNOW DAY DEVOTIONAL NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
Well… this wasn’t quite how we imagined gathering this weekend. When Kansas winter decides to remind us who’s boss, it tends to do so decisively. So while the roads are snowy and travel isn’t wise, I want to remind you of something important: the church is not cancelled today. We’re just scattered.
One of the gifts (and frustrations) of a winter storm is that it slows us down whether we want it to or not. Plans change. Schedules loosen. We’re forced to stay put. And sometimes, what feels like an inconvenience is actually an invitation.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about “New Year. New You. New Do.” – how God is calling us to take simple next steps of faith in response to what He’s already doing in our lives (catch up online this morning if you've missed one: https://www.youtube.com/-Church/streams . We’ve explored what it means to connect intentionally with God and others. Most of the time, we imagine that happening through activity: gatherings, conversations, serving, going.
But Scripture also reminds us that God often does deep work in quieter moments.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Not be productive and know.
Not be efficient and know.
But be still.
Snow days create space for stillness—whether we asked for it or not.
Maybe today looks like:
• coffee that stays warm a little longer
• kids still in pajamas at noon
• a slower morning without rushing
• a chance to sit near a window and watch the snow fall
And right there—in the ordinary, unhurried moments—God is present.
A SIMPLE SNOW DAY RHYTHM (FOR EVERYONE!)
Here’s a gentle way to lean into today:
1) CONNECT WITH GOD
Take a few quiet minutes. Read a short psalm (perhaps chapter 46). Sit in silence. Pray simply, “Lord, what do You want to show me today?” You don’t need the right words—just availability. Presence.
2) CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Even if you can’t be physically together. Send a text. Make a call. Pray for someone by name. Check on a neighbor. Small acts still create real ripples of connection.
3) REFLECT ON YOUR WORD OF THE YEAR (WOTY)
Some of you have chosen a 2026 word already. Some of you haven’t yet. Both are completely okay.
If you already have a WOTY, ask:
• How might God be shaping this word in quieter ways right now?
• What would it look like to lean into this word today, at home?
If you don’t have a spiritual growth word picked yet, maybe today is simply a listening day. God isn’t rushed. He forms us over time, often in hidden places. Take today to consider and listen for what WOTY God is inviting you into this year. Share your WOTY with us ( https://www.tru.church/woty ) by this Thursday so we can add it into our 2026 WOTY Word Cloud.
FOR FAMILIES & KIDS
Here’s a simple activity you can do together. Ask everyone this question:
“Where did you notice God today?”
It might be:
• in the snow
• in laughter
• in helping someone
• in a quiet moment
• or even in frustration
Then pray a short prayer together, thanking God for being present—even on a snow day. (And yes, praying in pajamas absolutely counts.)
ONE LAST ENCOURAGEMENT
God’s work doesn’t stop because the weather turns bad.
His Spirit isn’t limited by snowy roads.
And His grace doesn’t depend on a Sunday gathering.
Whether we’re together in one room or scattered across living rooms and kitchens, we are still His people—connected, loved, and being formed. And I’m really looking forward to being back together next Sunday, as we continue leaning in to how God is forming us—personally and as a church.
A CLOSING PRAYER
God, thank You for meeting us wherever we are today. Thank You for Your presence in the quiet, for Your patience with our pace, and for Your faithfulness even when plans change. Help us slow down enough to notice You. Draw us closer to You and to one another. And may the small moments of this day create ripples of grace, peace, and presence. Amen.
Much love,
Dave Geldart
