Blessing to you,

I think we underestimated the power of community and the practice of
communal celebration. Because we think that our church can make a significant contribution to the needs of our congregants, we have decided to make the theme for this year Belonging.

The ripple effects of isolating in place eroded the shores of our identity. We’ve lost ground in mental health and mattering. Without meaningful contact with each other we have resigned and retired in record numbers. We have believed conspiracies and taken our own lives.

It is time to reemerge and re-engage with each other. It is time to gather. It is time to serve one another.

Sunday services are a great way to start. The music and message are there to remind us of our common values. The whole service experience has a subtext – “you belong.” Every week several invitations call us to serve others, to matter. This winter we’ll have another “book study.” These small groups are for discussing ideas and practices and are equally important as contact points that reinforce our sense of self and belonging. Small groups support their members in tough times and good. And when you give financially, in any amount, you are assuming ownership and belonging. And don’t forget the parties and the potlucks. Eating and playing together bonds us to each other’s hearts in healing ways.

Please join us in reconnecting and serving. We all need it.

May the light of God shine upon you,

Blessings, Neusom