October
It reminded me of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. The familiar space had been magically transformed into a feasting room, complete with a huge wall-to-wall table, colorful tablecloths, and sumptuous food and drink spread from corner to corner. Even Dumbeldore gazed upon us from the doorway.
Opening session at the familiar School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Nope. This was the scene in the church office as we welcomed more than a dozen fascinating individuals to learn more about membership at Redlands UCC. Hosted by the gracious Church Life and Church Growth Areas, I sat spellbound as I learned about these charming people, their spiritual journeys and what motivated them to come to RUCC. And I’m not just referring to the newcomers! I was equally captivated by the stories from the various church board members present, Pastor Sharon, and even my own recollections.
This was one of the highlights of my experience so far as President. Our Great Hall rang with the sounds of “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.” The journeys were varied, the motivations were diverse, and the love and acceptance were solid as a Rock. You won’t be surprised to learn that a common thread running through the stories around the table involved people. People who invited someone to join them at church, people who noticed that someone was new and welcomed them warmly, people who were role models and lived the values prevalent in this church. Just like in the familiar rhyme, we opened the doors and saw all the people.
On October 5th, we will welcome many of these newer folks into covenantal membership with RUCC. Probably not all … membership may not be part of their current place on the journey. This may not be the place their hearts align with. Our community is like a V-formation of birds flying along. People join in, take turns sharing in leadership, find comfort in the flock, and sometimes even take off to fly along a different path.
In the coming weeks, take time to get to know our fellow travelers. Learn what winds are beneath their wings. Feel what subtle shifts in direction our new flock might be taking. And, as you feel their heartbeat next to yours, gaze out at the horizon and the wide open sky above, and be open to the unlimited opportunities that await us all.
With optimism and hope,
Loring Fiske-Phillips
