In 2023, desiring to become a congregation that serves the entire community, we talked, we prayed, we wondered what this new spiritual thing that was happening was about. We talked about what we would like our congregation to be for others and for ourselves. We came to this vision:
We believe the purpose of a congregation, beyond worshiping God, is to be a loving, helpful, welcoming place for all, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, religious history or lack thereof. We strive for the inclusivity that Jesus taught. We also want a community that is free of violence and the threat of violence, in both word and deed. The congregation should be a safe place for all.
We believe worship is intended to be the following: Where worship and praise are given to God in various ways that are meaningful to a variety of people; a place for all people to develop their spirituality and their relationship with God in ways that are meaningful for them; encouraging of people’s God-given gifts, so those gifts may be shared to God’s glory with each other and the world.
In 2024 we continued to live into our vision. We celebrated six concerts, two Power of Music events, one sound bath, and five Jazz Vespers, where we welcomed story tellers, singers, jazz musicians, pianists, guitarists, recorder players, a digeridoo player, an oboist, flutist and violinists. We also thrived under that pastoral leadership of Lutheran, Episcopal, Interfaith, and Methodist pastors, and were grateful for the musical talents of Allison Chu and Jim Murphy.
We look forward to 2025 and its adventures and challenges that so often make us grow in new ways, and we look forward to welcoming our community in new and old ways. Let’s share the spirit and discern the path the divine. God is calling us, too.
This is God’s church, and you are welcome here.
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