Friends on the Journey –
What a wonderful Homecoming Sunday celebration was had. We officially received four new members – Ann, Nancy, Marcus, and Brent. We recognized Alexis for her commitment and service during these past years. We enjoyed a delicious potluck feast lovingly coordinated by Rowe and Tim. It was a blessing to come together in a meal of love and friendship. Please have a look at the pictures at the end of this newsletter.
Today is the Autumnal Equinox. According to the Conscious Reminder Blog, the equinox is thought to represent: “the period of struggle between darkness and light, death and life. It occurs when the night and day will be equal, and the journey of the Sun to actually get there also signifies the journey of the Universe.” A liminal moment of transition.
This week at the UCC Summit “The Space Between: The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World”, we were invited by Rev. Cameron Trimble of Convergence to a futurist literacy exercise: “Leading into the Future.” We were asked to be creative imagineers, anticipating what a probable view of the world, organizations and structures, spirituality and church will be in 2070 (beyond many of our lifetimes). With that in mind, we were asked to think on a desirable future and a reframing — all toward a return to planning in the present and to challenge our assumptions so we might be open to possibility, novelty, and emergence. There was a lot of stimulating conversation.
Why do I bring this up? As we enter into Fall, darkness and death, toward the gestation of Winter toward a rebirth in Spring, I ask you to vision and dream on the future of Island United. Go big. Is there something that you might help bring to the community-at-large? There is abundant possibility, and many colleagues have encouraging words about our future. We will be looking at goals in our Congregational Meeting on October 16.
New things to look for in upcoming newsletters: Church Council Corner and Member Bios. A synopsis of the Council meetings will be shared, and we will be asking congregants to tell a little about themselves via some short questions and answers. Keep your eyes peeled.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 10 am, in person or on Zoom. Invite a friend and share the love that is Island United.
All love,
Rev. Michael Cronin