Over the last couple of years, we've developed a rhythm of quarterly congregational meetings. Given pending transitions this spring, we decided to turn our meeting into this email.
 

Celebrations

Since October, we've explored the vision your elders and I shared, cultivating Jesus-centered community through Bible studies, book discussions, and our November Spiritual Retreat. We launched our Men's Community Group and Ladies Social Club and shared stories at our Maundy Thursday meal. We attuned ourselves to the Holy Spirit through immersive worship at our Ash Wednesday service, Resonance experiences, and a Holy Saturday walk up Mt. Davidson. That same Spirit opened opportunities to courageously participate in God's transformative love through grant funding for Queer Faith in Action (an initiative inspired by our vision!), deepening our partnership with Open Door Legal, and launching our Public Witness team. Together, we have created spaces for learning, inspiration, and connection. In a time of increasing division, these aren't just celebrations but vital signs of God's presence—reminders that our power lies in connection and collective action for God's good work.
 

Finances

Our most recent report shows year-to-date giving at $1.198M of the $1.7M needed to meet our budget. If pledges are fulfilled, we'll carry a $171,000 deficit. With our fiscal year ending August 30th, we have just months to close the gap. For newer community members, I especially invite your financial support. We all play a part in finishing strong so we can begin next year with health and confidence.Financial giving is how we concretely show up for our community and practice our faith commitments. If you haven’t already, you can set up regular giving or make a gift here.
 

Staffing

Folks are being drawn to join our culture and learn from what we are doing. We look forward to welcoming some new faces to our staff table:

• Kaylee Danc, Associate Director of Student Ministries began June 1st.
• Amelia Hamier, Pastoral Resident began June 15th.
• Nigel Tan, Pastoral Intern will begin this fall.

Elder Board

A message from Sarah Dahl, Vice President of the Elder Board:

In early May, Henry Roark discerned a need to take time and space to care for his own health and well-being. Because of this, he has decided to step down from his role as elder. We are deeply appreciative for the thoughtfulness and wisdom of his process and the care he has taken in communicating it to us. We will miss his voice in our deliberations, even as he remains a valuable member of our congregation. Later this summer, we will be putting forward a new slate of elder candidates for your consideration, prayers, and votes. Please pray for all of us as we seek to serve our community with joy and wisdom! 
 

Looking Ahead

And as I’ve reflected on where we are as a community, the clear call has been to deepen our culture so we can build strong connections anchored in God's love and call to participate in the renewal of all things. In a world spinning with centrifugal force to separate us, cultivating cultures of hospitality, participation, and interdependence feels more urgent than ever. Some of the ways we plan to do this is through a focus on equipping volunteers, rebuilding our diaconate, and exploring an all-church retreat in early 2026.

Amidst painful and divisive times, we have the opportunity to be a distinct expression of God's presence in San Francisco—animated by grace, trust, and courage rooted in love. I'm filled with gratitude for how each person has made City Church a place where God's love is tangible and transformative. Thank you for being partners in this sacred and joyful work as we finish strong and build on God's good work in our midst!

Faithfully,
Pastor Emily