Greetings, brothers and sisters!

In the words of the theologian Elaine Johnson of the PNC, “Finally.” This Sunday, we worship our Lord together for the first time in this new season. I am filled with joy as I think of you and our life together. As I have been praying for you (by the way, I’ve discovered that the chapel at RBCPC has become my favorite place to pray), I already feel a deep love for you, and I thank God for each of you. I often feel a bit like Forrest Gump—unexpectedly finding myself in significant moments of history. In the “lower story” (our human understanding), my family and this church were connected through a search process. But in the “upper story,” God has orchestrated this relationship for this very moment, for His purpose. Because God is the one leading and writing our story, I am filled with joy and anticipation for what lies ahead—for He is faithful. I officially began this past Monday, and I was immediately overwhelmed by your warm welcome. I was greeted by a huge banner outside, a preschool banner covered by children’s handprints, and the smiling greeters at the front desk (complete with the clever plaque that reads “Director of First Impressions”). I met the faithful, hard-working members of the Adult Discipleship Committee as they planned for Life Groups and "The Chosen" study. I also met the wonderful volunteers in Congregational Care, who serve so generously with Christ’s love. At Tuesday’s presbytery meeting, I was amazed by both the hospitality and worship teams. A few pastors commented that it was one of the best presbytery meetings they had attended in some time, and wished they invited others to attend. Truly, God has blessed RBCPC with gifted people who love Him and serve humbly and faithfully. I spent the most time with our staff this past week, and had the privilege of sitting down with almost every single staff member. I thank God for these gifted men and women. They are not only talented but also people of character and deep faith. I am eager to serve alongside them and grow together as a team. My first priority in the first few months is to get to know you. Though this is a logistical challenge, I want to know how I can pray for our church and serve you. That is why I am so grateful for our 33 Deacons—I will lean on them to help me know your needs in prayer. Please grant me grace as I work to learn your names and faces (and yes, name tags have already been very helpful!). As my family transitions during this first year, and as my youngest finishes his senior year of high school, my weekly rhythm will look like this: I’ll drive down from Orange County on Monday mornings and return Thursday evenings. My wife and I will then return to San Diego on Saturday nights (to avoid any unexpected traffic surprises). I also plan to attend monthly Saturday events whenever possible, such as the Men’s Breakfast. In Genesis 12:1, we read about God’s call to Abram to leave his father’s land and go. Though pastors often apply this text to ministry callings, it applies to all of God’s people. God calls His people to live on the edge—ready to hear and follow wherever He leads us: to go, to be, and to do what God desires. Sometimes this will be exciting. Sometimes it may be painful. Sometimes it will be a surprise. But wherever God leads, the most important thing is to humbly obey, staying in the center of God's will. That is where we not only find our purpose but also God's peace and joy. Friends, God has brought us together. Let us walk humbly with Him as we step into this new chapter. And may all glory be to God alone! In Christ Alone, Pastor Jason Ko