Written by: Robin Walton

It is July 30, but my summer interim pastor of pastoral care stint is about to come to an end. (If only the cool, less humid winds of September were here to mark the end of this “summer.”)

Today, as I consider the things that were shared on recent Sundays, I am impressed with the universality of concerns that we experience. Just like people all over the world, we get sick, people we love get in trouble, old traumas reemerge, we care about our families, we need a place to share ourselves.

I believe we are an ever-deepening Beloved Community and just for proof I reviewed the things that were reasons why the last group of folks stated as things they saw in us which drew them in. They had been other places, they may not have been sure what they were looking for but, being with us they saw a group being an expression of God’s work in the world and they told us who we are and why they wanted to join us.

They said we are (some things mentioned several times):

• Relational
• Welcoming
• In dialogue
• Practiced inclusive wholistic justice and peace
• Warm
• All are welcome
• God’s presence
• Aligns with values
• Open-minded
• Christ’s love -> take action
• A place where I feel welcomed, challenged and protected.

All of us, here a long time or just a short time, demonstrate the fruit of the spirit in our own ways.

We tell our children each Sunday, “We are your people.” 

When we share, fix a meal, welcome someone needing refuge, smile, or listen, we are saying “We are your people,” to each other. 

It has been an honor to walk alongside you this “summer.” I have been humbled to be invited into some of your joys and concerns and to see your gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, joy, peace, in the flesh; living and dwelling amongst us.