Gratitude (Dec 2023-April 2024)

Jeff & Chrissy Kaetzel
Apr 24, 2024
4 min read

Hi Friends! Sorry these updates keep getting more and more spaced out. Life and ministry has been keeping us rather busy! That being said, there have been a lot of cool things happening and we wanted to make sure to share some highlights from this season.

Life Update: New Year, New beginnings

As 2023 came to a close, we realized that the time had come to begin searching for a place to live on our own. Up until this point, we've had the joy of co-renting a big house with Jeff's sister and family. However, with Junia approaching two years old and leaping into toddlerhood, we realized that we needed some space of our own. That being said, the start of 2024 brought with it a whole lot of uncertainty and apprehension. While we've been waiting patiently for the right time to buy a home, the market has been less than ideal, and we also wondered if we could really find a space to rent on our own that fit our needs and that we could actually afford. Also, this would be our third move in just as many years, and Chrissy was especially struggling with the sense of instability and the chaotic upheaval that moving entails.

On a whim, right at the end of December, Jeff had a brief conversation with a lady at our church who is familiar with the housing and rental market in this area. She literally called us the next day saying she had a space potentially lined up for us. Within the first week of January we went to see the space, met with the owner, and made an agreement to move in later in April.

While it has been a crazy few months leading up to this move, we are now beginning to settle into our new space and we truly feel like it is a dream come true. It is a beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath apartment in Loomis - which has a bit more of a rural and small town feel. We are surrounded nature, yet close to the freeway, and marginally closer to church as well. We are beyond grateful that God has provided this incredible space for us to enjoy for this next season. We are also so grateful for our community and we're pleasantly shocked by the number of people who showed up to help us move! (Also - special shout out to the Hills: THANK YOU for holding onto your trailer just long enough to help us with yet another move!)

We have honestly been blown away by God's guidance and provision in regards to this move. Truly, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.

Ministry Highlights:

Midwinter

At the end of January, we attended the annual Covenant Pastor's gathering called Midwinter. This year, it was in Chicago and we were so grateful for Chrissy's parents who stayed at our home with Junia so that we were able to go and participate in the conference kid-free. It was such a blessing to be able to have a week with just the two of us and to catch up with friends and colleagues, but we also missed Junia dearly.

After a week of intentional worship, encouraging conversations and meaningful experiences, we returned home refreshed, energized and excited for what lies ahead. Junia was also equally happy to have her mommy and daddy home.

Missional Serving Communities

Chrissy has loved walking a new small group through the Missional Serving program. In January-March we explored the topic of justice and refugees and connected with World Relief in Sacramento. Now, with the start of Spring, we've jumped into our unit on creation and have participated in a couple of fun local initiatives including planting trees (in the rain!) and attending Roseville's annual Earth Night event!

Pacific Plunge

The Pacific Plunge was an idea that Jeff came up with as a signature Middle School overnight. The idea was to take Middle Schoolers to Marin Covenant Church, spend the night, and then run into the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean together.

This mini-retreat was a huge hit and Jeff was able to convince 4 students to jump into the ocean with him. The funny thing is that Jeff planned this trip to be in April, hoping that the weather would be somewhat warm(ish), but it turned out that it was 48 degrees and the water was 52 degrees. Even with the weather being less than ideal, the students had a blast running into the ocean. It is a retreat that will become a staple for the Middle School group.

Preaching

Both Jeff and Chrissy continue to get opportunities to preach on a semi-regular basis. Chrissy has continued to grow as a dynamic and convicting preacher, and Jeff continues to hone his style of preaching. They are both extremely honored to continually have the opportunity to preach the Word to Community Covenant Church of Rocklin.

Here are some links to our most recent sermons:

Advent 2023 Sermon Series: Prepare Him Room (Jeff preached on Dec 10 and Chrissy on Dec 17)
Spring 2024 Sermon Series: Big Buts of the Bible (Chrissy preached on April 14 and Jeff on April 21)

Other Highlights:

Junia's Birthday

Believe it or not, the third member of Team Kaetzel turned 2 years old this past March! We are so grateful for all the family and friends that came to celebrate Junia's special day (even in the rain!). We held a small party at a local park close to our house which included cupcakes, snacks and plenty of giggles. Junia continues to grow into her own little person and has been keeping mom and dad on their toes.

This little family of three is so grateful for all of the support, both financial and spiritual, that we continue to receive on a monthly basis. We hope to be back with another update in the next couple of months to highlight the end of the school year/beginning of summer.

Thanks so much for supporting Team Kaetzel!