A Word of Gratitude and Reflection from Pastor Jon

Dear Soma Family,

Over the past several months, many of you have reached out with kind words, prayers, and questions as Heather and I have stepped into a new season of life and ministry. Now that some time has passed—and with Soma Community Church having formally closed—I wanted to share a word of reflection and gratitude.

More than ten years ago, God invited us into a calling that forever shaped our lives: planting Soma Community Church. What began as a step of obedience grew into a gospel family marked by deep relationships, honest faith, and a shared commitment to love our neighbors well. Together, we worshiped, served, wrestled, celebrated, lamented, and watched God do far more than we could have imagined.

Soma was never just a gathering or a name—it was people. It was the quiet conversations after service, the meals shared in homes, the tears prayed through, and the joy of seeing lives changed by Jesus. For Heather and me, Soma was a place where we learned to pastor more faithfully, love more deeply, and trust God more fully.

Last year, after much prayer, counsel, and discernment, we sensed the Lord leading us into a new chapter. I now serve as Discipleship Pastor at Calvary Church in Muscatine, Iowa—a role that will hopefully bring renewed clarity, health, and joy to our family and calling. While the transition carried real grief and loss, it has also been marked by peace. We remain convinced that God was faithful in both the planting and the closing of Soma.

The end of a church is never easy. Closure carries weight but endings do not mean failure. Soma accomplished exactly what God intended for its season—bearing fruit in ways seen and unseen, many of which will only be fully known in eternity. I believe deeply that the seeds planted through Soma will continue to grow in the lives of those who were part of it and in the communities you continue to serve.

To everyone who walked with us on that journey—thank you. Thank you for your trust, your sacrifice, your courage, and your faithfulness. Thank you for loving our family and for loving Jesus together with sincerity and hope.

As I look back, I do so with gratitude, not regret and as I look forward, I do so with confidence that the same God who called us to plant Soma continues to lead His people into new expressions of mission and faithfulness.

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Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Jon Nelson

Lead Pastor of Soma Community Church

Remembering Germaine Larkins

There are some people whose presence shapes a room, a community. Germaine Larkins was one of those people.

Germaine had a way of showing up—faithfully, consistently, and with genuine care for others. Whether you encountered her through church, community spaces, or simply through friendship, you likely felt seen, encouraged, and valued. She carried herself with strength and grace, and her life bore witness to a deep love for people and a steady trust in God.

Loss like this always leaves us with questions, tears, and moments of disbelief. Scripture reminds us that

“the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” – Psalm 34:18

In our grief, we cling to the truth that God is not distant from our pain—He is present in it.

For those who knew Germaine well, her legacy is not only found in memories but in the impact she made on lives. She poured herself into others, offering encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and love. For students especially, she modeled what it looks like to live with purpose, compassion, and faith in everyday life.

As believers, we grieve with hope. We trust the promise of Jesus when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). While we mourn Germaine’s passing, we also celebrate the assurance that her story does not end here.

We invite you to join us as we gather to honor Germaine’s life, to remember her well, and to thank God for the gift she was to so many.

Celebration of Life for Germaine Larkins

Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m
804 Fairmount Blvd

This will be a time of reflection, gratitude, tears, laughter, and hope—a space to come together as a community shaped by her life.

In the days ahead, let us continue to care for one another, especially those who are grieving deeply. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). May we be instruments of that comfort—present, prayerful, and gentle.

Germaine will be deeply missed, but her life, her faith, and her love will continue to echo in the lives she touched.

Charlie Kirk was an image bearer of God.

Like many of you, I’ve spent the afternoon and evening following the details of this unspeakable tragedy and praying for Charlie’s family.

Charlie was a fellow image bearer—a man created in the likeness of our God. His death is tragic, heinous, and wicked. It has left his wife widowed and his children without their father.

What has dismayed me just as much is the response of some Christians online. Hot takes like “the chickens came home to roost” or calling him a “martyr” and other comments like these are out of line. Christian, don’t let your politics blind you to evil. No one deserves violence— not children in schools, not politicians, not worshipers in churches, not people in public spaces, not even those you deeply disagree with.

Violence and hate are literally the opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit.

For years, I’ve said it: conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats—every political party is fighting for its own kingdom, but none of them are the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer to the curse of sin in this world. Don’t lose sight of that truth in the darkness around us.

The Best Christmas Ever: Lessons from Simeon

As we finish our Advents series, we’ve drawn deep spiritual lessons from the wise men, Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds. Each character has taught us valuable truths:

the wise men showed us the importance of seeking the Lord
Mary reminded us of our need for a Savior
Joseph revealed the beauty of trusting God’s plan
and the shepherds demonstrated that joy comes from listening and acting on God’s message.

Now we turn our attention to someone often overlooked in the nativity story—Simeon. His life offers us timely lessons about patience, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Simeon was a devout and righteous man who had been eagerly waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. One day, led by the Spirit, Simeon encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus at the temple. Holding the child, Simeon declared powerful words that left Mary and Joseph in awe. From Simeon’s story, we glean three significant lessons for this Christmas season.

Simeon was expectant and full of hope. He diligently studied the Scriptures and prayed, longing for the Messiah. His life of anticipation teaches us the value of waiting on the Lord.

During the holiday rush, patience can run thin. Long lines and hectic schedules test us, but waiting is part of the season. Just as Simeon waited for the first coming of Christ, we too wait for His second coming. Let this Christmas be a reminder to embrace hope and anticipation.

Reflect on what you’re waiting for this season. Is it material gifts, or are you longing for spiritual renewal? Simeon wasn’t focused on worldly desires but on the coming of Christ. As we wait, let’s live holy lives, stay in prayer, and share the gospel. Christ’s return is the greatest gift we anticipate.

Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit, allowing him to recognize Jesus as the Messiah instantly. His communion with God enabled him to see beyond the surface.

This Christmas, let the Holy Spirit fill your heart. When we’re filled with the Spirit, we see Jesus as the salvation and light of the world. The Spirit reveals truth and brings peace, even amidst chaos.

Imagine holding the Savior in your arms as Simeon did. The joy he felt was overwhelming, and his life felt complete. This Christmas, seek the same fulfillment by drawing closer to Christ. Let His light shine through you, pushing back the darkness.

After seeing Jesus, Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph. His words spoke of Christ’s destiny and the impact He would have on the world.

Christmas is a time to bless others. Just as Simeon blessed the Holy Family, we are called to speak life and encouragement to those around us. Generosity, love, and kindness are reflections of God’s love.

Think of ways to be a blessing this season. Can you offer your time, resources, or even a kind word? The more we bless others, the more we experience God’s abundant blessings in return.

Simeon’s story reminds us of the deeper meaning of Christmas. It’s not about the rush of shopping or the glitter of decorations—it’s about Christ, the light of the world. As we celebrate, let’s be expectant, filled with the Spirit, and ready to bless others.

May this Christmas be the best one ever because we remember the true reason for the season. Recommit your heart to God, live in holiness, and share His love with the world. Amen.

Get out and vote 2024!!

As a pastor and a preacher, I want to urge all Christians this election season: Get out and vote. I believe it is our duty as citizens of our state and country, but I also believe it’s especially important given the issues represented in this election. Many of these are not strictly “political.” They are moral and spiritual.

According to some studies, there are 90 million Christians who are eligible to vote in this country yet around 40 million of us do not vote and 15 million are not even registered. Over the last few weeks we have made clear that both candidates and political parties do not reflect the Kingdom of God, that is not a reason to neglect voting.

To that in we have decided to provide a voting guide that you can print off and take to the polls with you. This guide has the full ballot for our area including all the issues that we will be voting on. One mistake that I see over and over is that we think we are just voting on president when there is so much more that we will be deciding. Please download this resource and use it for the glory of God.

Be reminded, on Wednesday morning when we all wake up Christ will still be king regardless of who is elected to the White House. Though it’s important that every Christian votes, I believe America’s only hope is not found in whom we elect as president but in a spiritual awakening.

Before culture can experience an awakening, our church needs to experience revival. The future of our country will not be decided by the ballot box, but in the prayer closet. When God sees a problem in a nation, He doesn’t point His finger at the White House, He points it at His house.

Download your 2024 Election guide here!

Doing Church Together

Starting a new church can seem like a blank canvas, where anything is possible, but that reality is far from the truth. The church isn’t a fully customizable “iChurch” catering to personal preferences; it’s a community of believers—messy people, coming together to worship and follow Jesus. This idea is rooted in the early church, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the first church plant emerged.

In this passage, the early Christians gathered around God’s Word, shared life together, took communion, and prayed as a community. This was not about individual preferences but about unity in Christ—what I call “WeChurch.”

Gathering around God’s Word unites us despite our differences, centering us on Christ and the gospel. Doing life together means embracing both the joys and the messiness of our fellowship. Sharing meals and taking communion deepen our bonds, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and praying together strengthens our communal ties, keeping us aligned with God’s will.

What is the result? The church grows. As we live out God’s Word, share our lives in fellowship, and worship joyfully, we create a witness that draws others to Christ. In WeChurch, we grow together, in faith and in numbers, as we live out the calling of the early church.

Soul Tattoo: The church grows when we live out God’s Word, share our lives in fellowship, and are joyful in worship.

Celebration of Life for Germaine Larkins

Soma Community Church

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