From the Pastor
At the congregational meeting Sunday, we announced the results of the vote about the money for the renovation. The motion was passed with more than sixty "yes" votes and one "no". It seems like we have done a lot of voting this year, and yet I am grateful every time. Managing a church as a direct democracy is messy and sometimes frustrating. But it is also empowering. We as a congregation have chosen to invest in our beautiful old building, believing that it will be an important tool for us to use to do good in the community. We can't lose sight of the purpose here; it's not about the building but the ministry we can do with it.
To that end, the Faith Formation Ministry is starting the assessment and planning process for a program for kids that will give them experience and training in the fine arts. So - if you know a family with children 8-15 years old that you think would talk with me about weekday programming for kids, please send me their contact information.
As the mortarboards sail into the air this month, the Council is planning a Sunday in August to celebrate all those who have graduated from academic programs in the last two years, and to honor the educators in our midst in person. If someone in your family has completed an academic degree recently, please send an email to the church office with their name (and a picture if you have one!). We will also announce the recipients of the church scholarships.
So, there's plenty being planned for after the renovation. And once it starts, the building will be a little different each time you come in.
But we aren't standing still while we wait. This Sunday, we will celebrate Fathers' Day and Juneteenth, and honor the legacy of men who have made freedom a reality. Bring a man that you admire to worship with you. And then on June 26th, we will celebrate Pride Sunday, with Rev. David Vanderlinde-Abernathy preaching. If you have friends who think that church couldn't possibly have a place for them, invite them to worship with you. We will celebrate all of God's beloveds.
Drink in the beauty of this season. The Holy Spirit surrounds each of us with the wings of love.
Peace,
Pastor Leigh
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