Homecoming Sunday
When I came back from vacation last month it astonished me how many parts of my day to day life I needed to pause and think about how to do. The rote pattern of tasks I have done a zillion times without much consideration seemed to have been partially erased: what drawer do I keep my shirts in?!? Over the last 2.75 years we have all unlearned patterns, some of which we are glad to let go of, others we may have the urge to reinvest our time in. I know that you desire to lean into who and where God is calling us be. In some church traditions the first big Sunday back after summertime is homecoming Sunday. If on site participation is safe and accessible for you, we hope that you will make the journey to our home base this Sunday. God loves your increased participation through our digital options. Jesus loves it when you make the journey to the home field.
Our choir will be singing with us again – how delighted we are to begin a full season with our talented music minister Dr. Josh Miller. We also begin again with children’s formation through Godly Play, now for all school aged children in the clean, flexible, and revitalized space on the first floor (soon to be dedicated as the Whaley rooms). Parents with younger children are welcome to attend with their child. We know that children desire to know God and love to enter into the sacred stories – and Sharon Cotter is ready to invite them in. Youth formation resumes again as well with our always amazing Mackenzie Alexander. Adults are all invited to the Rite Questions discussion in the Deppich room, even if you are not seeking a ‘rite of commitment’.
As we race toward home base there are two ‘team positions’ that I would like people to embrace. Sometimes the best way to establish regular participation is to have a responsibility. If you already serve in a variety of ways – then this is not for you. Please simply bring the desire to prayer. However, if you are looking to deepen your habits of faith, if you have started your journey with us in the last three years, then read on. The two roles in order of importance are a coordinator for ushers and a coffee/tea team. These are two areas that are important for being as welcoming as we are in our hearts as we are in our interactions. In the days before I wouldn’t put this need out in print: however our evolved patterns of life together make it harder for me to know the faces of all who might be called. Jesus calls us to follow him, to give abundantly, to grow in fellowship and relationship with God. Worship, lifelong formation, and giving of time and talent are how we live into his grace.