homecoming
We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been — a place half-remembered and half-envisioned we can only catch glimpses of from time to time. Community.
This year has been filled for me with glimpses of coming home. I felt it working with a Laura, Mike, Al, and Erik this spring as we worked through the definitions of Shared Ministry. I felt it during the incredible ‘homecoming’ of Peace Trail in August. I felt it in the community’s outpouring of love when Tommy was sick, in Roger’s joy in planning the Harvest dinner, indeed each Sunday morning in the swirl of emotions in our Narthex. And I felt it in Cindy’s gentle laughter and Nick’s encouragement as our annual Pledge Drive became not a plea for money but a celebration of our community. The Starhawk quote (repeated here) speaks to the incredible community that we have discovered together. Our community.
Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power.
One member last year asked, “Can I be a conservative and be welcome here?” Another pulled me aside to say, “I’m not so sure about things like the resurrection.” Still another asked, “Can we talk about the words we use at baptism?” And all are welcome, each of us has come home, we belong.
Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free.
We have much work still to do. Hands to hold, arms to extend, and doors to open. For this we depend upon each other to pledge our money, our time, our prayerful support. Please join us for a time of celebration and pledging on Sunday. If you are not able to be with us, please do share your pledges by mailing (204 E. Lockwood, 63119), calling (314/968-1727) or emailing (dhubatka@evangelicalucc.org or nickgilham@gmail.com).
