From the Pastor's Desk
2026
There is a lot of talk about change lately, and frankly, perhaps you have heard enough of this "c" word. I admit, it can be exhausting having to learn new things and welcome new ideas. It takes a lot of courage and faith to take on this process without feeling overwhelmed. I am grateful for the Spirit with which the church is moving through this season of discernment and exploration.
We have begun to wonder about the future of the church in earnest with the process of discernment regarding becoming an Open an Affirming congregation. Through this process we have already shared deeply and have leaned into conversation with curiosity about how God is calling us to be more open, welcoming and affirming to all God's beloved. This is holy work and a good foundation for the many conversations that will emerge from this process. Who are we called to be? Who are we called to welcome? How can we be not only open and welcoming but open and affirming? There is a difference. God calls us to be affirming of all people, dismantling the boundaries that would keep us separated from each other.
We are sharing our stories and wondering together who might be missing from our community and how we might reach out to those who seek a spiritual home. This is a time to envision our church differently. We gathered recently to share and celebrate the gifts of this community and to wonder together what new ministry God is inviting us to explore. Are we willing to be bold and undertake new initiatives that reach different or new folks in our community? Are we willing to be innovative in our approach to ministries that we have supported in the past? Everything we do is an opportunity to share the love of Christ with someone in need or someone seeking a community of care.
I read an article recently about leadership in church that caught my attention. As I prepared for our all-church conversation and worship last week, i did a lot of exploration about church innovation and leadership. One particular article reminded me of the importance of joy, of celebrating the things that we do in God's name. There is a leadership principle that seems foundation to our life together; what gets celebrated gets replicated. When people experience joy, they often don't need to be pushed. When something is celebrated it gains momentum When we experience delight in what we do, we want to do more.
I invited us to apply that principle to the ministries that currently draw our attention. We are examining our food pantry and the ways we meet the needs of people who experience food insecurity. There is a lot of passion and energy around this ministry. Perhaps God is calling us not only to be innovative, but to expand what we do. This will involve being open to new approaches, welcoming more people to participate and to shift the ways we have always done things. We have been so blessed with the many people who have faithfully supported this ministry through the years. This is a moment when we can expand our vision and challenge ourselves to do even more. We are hearing from people in the community that there remains a significant opportunity for ministries that help people meet their food needs.
As we continue to support ministries that feed not only the body but the soul as well, we might ask a critical question: what are we reinforcing? Too often we unintentionally celebrate stability over mission; maintenance over movement, and conmort over courage. Then we wonder why nothing changes. One writer insists, "Celebration is not fluff. It is formation. It tells people who we are and what matters." Do we celebrate enough? Does the wider community know the joy we bring to the food pantry ministry? Let's celebrate this ministry together even as we seek God's wisdom about how we might do even more.
I hope you have the time this summer to ponder and wonder and envision the things we can do together to share the love and justice of Jesus in this place. I hope you take time to rest and renew your spirits as we prepare for a season of wonder and discernment that awaits us in the fall. Where is your joy? What captures your passion? How can we continue to minister to each other even as we minister to God's beloved in our community? I give thanks for each one of you and the joy and love and commitment you bring to this community!
In Christ's love
Rev. Lynne
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