Beloveds,
As a kid, summer seemed to fly by so quickly. The end of August came in a snap. At the same time, excitement began to build for a return to school and a new educational adventure. Now that I am older, it seems that all time flies by even more quickly. We just recognized Memorial Day and then Labor Day was upon us in an instant, and the season of white shoes is over. And it is time to return home.
This weekend we celebrate Homecoming Sunday. Some of us have returned from summer travels, and some of us are still traveling or beginning travel adventures. If you are like me, when I return to SFO after a time of travel, I get a warm feeling and thoughts of gratitude for being able to live where we do. It really is a gift. And so is Island United. What a gift to have this spiritual home and the collection of personalities that give it life.
Not only is this an opportunity to celebrate the spiritual home we share, it is also an opportunity to invite friends who – for whatever reason – have not been with us for some time as well as those who might be looking for a spiritual home. In these somewhat challenging and isolating days, I believe there are people seeking to find a safe space to be, to nurture and be nurtured. We can offer them Island United “Aloha!”.
In the spirit of creating home, we will be looking at Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7. It is his letter to the exiles in Babylon telling them to make their homes, grow food to eat, and create families. A church community can be just that place of home, spiritual sustenance, and created family.
I look forward to seeing you at 1130 Balclutha or on Zoom at 10 am Sunday.
Home awaits,
Rev. Michael Cronin
