A New Year
Hello friends and family.
Please forgive the lack of updates in recent months—as referenced in our previous update, our family had been dealing with seemingly unceasing illnesses. Unfortunately, that trend didn’t let up until three days before Christmas. We along with most of New York had the flu in mid-December and clung on for far too long.
Towards the end of the year, I found myself discouraged, doubting whether I had done enough this year. In particular when considering how many days sicknesses seems to have sidelined me from focusing on church planting to be available to the God-forsaken work of caring for my sick children, I felt like I lost time to do real ministry. (Please note my sarcasm.)
I journaled late on the evening of Saturday, November 29:
“Monday marks the beginning of the final month of 2025. How can I make adjustments to finish the year well? Are there any practices that can help me be more open to what the Holy Spirit wants to do?”
With a mix of naiveté and optimism, I entered December striving to catch up. Little did I know that our family was only days away from experiencing the worst of the sick season.
In the numerous tissue and tea-filled days spent migrating back and forth between the bed and the sofa, I felt my feelings of inadequacy and underachievement eased by the Holy Spirit.
While the inner critic in me doubted whether I had done enough this year, this time spent sick and recovering afforded me space to recount all that God had done in and through our family in 2025. Ever more so, I felt the Spirit gently assuring me that God accepts my service and is not disappointed in me.
As influenza forced me to take on the practices of slowing, simplicity, and rest, room was made for the Spirit to comfort. To my surprise, the necessary adjustment that I pondered in my journal a few weeks before was simple:
Stop.
Cease.
Rest.
Be.
Eugene Peterson paraphrased the words of Jesus in Matthew 11.28–30:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
On New Year’s Eve, Erin was kind to give a few hours to go reflect and journal for a few hours. Six hours to midnight, I walked two blocks up to Variety Coffee, ordered a mug of drip coffee and a Saratoga sparkling water, sat down, and wrote.
For six pages, I recounted all that had transpired, all that God brought us through, and all that God had done in and through our family in 2025.
I placed my pen down.
Sipped from my diner mug.
Assurance filled my lungs as slow, deep breaths passed in and out of my nostrils.
Relief eased the tension in my shoulders.
Satisfaction calmed my mind.
Even if for only a few moments, my inner critic was humbled.
I was reminded of the encouraging words from Charlie Mackesy’s wonderful The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse:
““A whole year, and what have I done?” asked the boy.
“You made it this far,” said the horse. “You are spectacular.””
Stepping into the first quarter of 2026, we continue to traverse slowly and steadily into the mundane and ordinary rhythms of our family life. we aren’t rushing to build as much as we are continuing to plant. While the fruit isn't visible yet, the slow and steady work of rooting ourselves in the city continues. Our focus for the first quarter of 2026 centers on these key areas:
Deepening Neighborhood Roots Our hope is to continue to welcome new friends and neighbors into our home for dinners, turning casual acquaintances into deeper friendships. We also committed to being present and serving at our daughters’ school—aiming to be a helpful, consistent presence for the families and faculty there.
Listening and Presence I have begun attending our local Community Board meetings, not to lead, but to listen and learn how I can best serve the neighborhood’s actual needs. I’m also getting involved with local groups focused on digital minimalism and reading circles—spaces where we can "unplug" and rediscover what it means to be human together. Additionally, while her cafe undergoes a remodel, Erin has a unique opportunity to train and develop leadership teams at other cafes across the city, extending her influence within her company and the NYC cafe and coffee community.
Training, Coaching, and Academics I am continuing my seminary studies as I push toward finishing my Master’s degree, balancing the academic rigors of theology with the practical work on the ground. We also continue to be sharpened by our training with City to City NYC and the Incubator Collective, and we are receiving ongoing coaching from the pastors at Trinity Grace Church. The TGC family has been a vital source of strength and spiritual covering for us during this season.
Discernment and Rest A significant highlight will be in March, when we head to the Microchurch Conference in Tampa. We are eager to explore how smaller alternative expressions of church can thrive in the unique urban landscape of New York. To ensure we are leading from a place of health, Erin will also be heading to the Trinity Retreat Center in Connecticut this February for a dedicated time of silence and reflection. I am also actively searching for a spiritual director.
How to Pray for Us
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We are deeply grateful for your prayers along with every text, call, email, DM, and letter.
For the Microchurch Vision: That God would give us clarity as we continue to befriend and learn from those in the microchurch world and in Tampa about what a neighborhood-focused church looks like for our specific context.
For Seminary Studies: For focus, endurance, and a sharp mind as I balance my Master’s coursework with ministry and family life.
For Neighborhood Connections: That our time at Community Board meetings and reading groups would lead to "persons of peace" who are open to spiritual conversation.
For the TGC Partnership: For wisdom for the pastors at Trinity Grace Church as they coach us, and for continued flourishing in the friendships we are making there.
For Erin’s Retreat: That her time in February would be a deep well of refreshment after the grueling sick season we just exited.
For Familial Health: For our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health as a family in this cold winter season, that this would be our primary ministry.
Additionally, we want to sincerely thank our financial partners. Every gift supports us as we pursue the work we believe God is putting before us.
If you would like to connect via phone, FaceTime, or Zoom, we’d love to hear from you! Please text the number below to set up a time.
With love and gratitude,
Tyler A. Saldaña
917.710.0777
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