October has been a full month of ministry, filled with opportunities to serve, connect, celebrate, and give thanks. Across different settings and roles, I continue to be reminded that ministry happens in many places and that even ordinary moments can carry extraordinary meaning.
These ten images offer a glimpse into October 2026.
White Rock Center of Hope
As the CEO of White Rock Center of Hope I know October is always a significant month. Our fiscal year ends October 31, and for the second consecutive year, Hope has served more neighbors than ever before.
Here are five moments that capture some of this month’s story.
October brought a new colleague to Hope. Dr. Marci Jackson joined us as Director of Operations and began making a difference on day one.
As the need for food continues to grow, so does Hope’s food pantry operations. This new-to-us box truck will help us move more food and serve more neighbors.
Hope is grateful for our long-term partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, our NFTB hub: Sharing Life, and our many retail partners. This month’s Agency Partner Summit was an opportunity to celebrate the relationships that make our work possible.
We also celebrated JR Ratliff and Michael Stettler as they completed their service on Hope’s board. Both made significant contributions to our growth, including expanding our services, adopting our first multiyear strategic plan, and strengthening our governance.
Growth also means rethinking how we use our space. Our latest renovation involves shrinking my office to create a small conference room available to everyone. Sometimes making room for others starts with making a little less room for ourselves.
First Christian Church – Fort Worth
As the Interim Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a historic downtown congregation, I am encouraged to see the church finding ways to connect with people beyond its walls.
Our recent Trunk or Treat was one example of how we can do ministry beyond our building.
October also brought an unexpected gift: cards and notes of appreciation for Pastor Appreciation Month. The personal messages from our youngest disciples were especially meaningful. These simple expressions of kindness reminded me what a joy it is to serve this congregation.
United Church of Christ
As an ordained clergyperson in the United Church of Christ, I serve in several volunteer roles.
My wife and I host a weekly Cathedral of Hope life group in our home. Since Cathedral is my home church and I’m rarely able to attend worship in person, this is a meaningful way to stay connected to the life of the congregation.
This month also took me to Cleveland for the annual meeting of the UCC Church Building and Loan Fund, where I serve on the board. I value the opportunity to work alongside others who are imagining new possibilities for church buildings, community partnerships, and sustainable models of ministry.
The work of reimagining the church is happening in many places, and I am grateful to play a small part.
Happy to Be Alive
On October 10, 2022, while going about my everyday ministry at Hope, I was attacked and assaulted. Since then, I have marked the anniversary as Happy to Be Alive Day, pausing to give thanks for each additional year of life and ministry.
The experience remains part of my story, but it does not define me. There have been so many moments, relationships, and opportunities since that day for which I am grateful.
Looking back on October, I am grateful for the people I work alongside, the communities I serve, and the life I get to live.
I’m happy to be alive.