Friends,
I hope September finds you well. I know I’m excited. Our homecoming service had so many of our members and friends returning to us, and we recognized our newer friends as they journey with us.
I’m also excited that we will have a shared service with our neighbors in Chesterland. On Sunday, September 22, instead of being in our church, our service will be three miles away at the Community Church of Chesterland (11984 Caves Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026 – on the corner of Caves and Wilson Mills). Music will begin at 10 a.m., and the service starts at 10:30. Although they are a United Church of Christ church, our pluralism will be maintained – all are welcome.
We have a lot of different things starting up, and our teams and committees are needing folks to get involved. The choir is looking for new members and if you’re interested in restarting our bell choir, there are a few others who can join you. We have our Welcome Table for a get-to-know-you sort of space during coffee and conversation. And, our kids’ RE is looking for classroom help. Adult RE is also looking for facilitators. If you’re interested in any of these feel free to reach out to Edie, Melany or me, Rev. Will, and we can help you find the group you’re looking for.
Like a lot of you, I am very enthused about the upcoming year. We are showing up for one another; we are creating that space where a person can build friendships and heal. We are a church that works to build community. Let us listen ever more deeply and respond to the needs around us.
Someone from the congregation sent me a video (you know who you are) that really inspired me – it was a clip of a toddler trying to put a chicken on his pedal-less bike. He picked up the hen and she jumped off the bike. He persisted, and tried again. Ultimately he was successful, and the video ends with him riding away with the chicken – and the caption was, “Nobody told him it was impossible.” It very much resonated with me. We can build Beloved Community and we can grow our church.
Let’s get to work and let’s have some fun!
Rev. Will