From the Pastor

Dear church:

My littlest one is now one (how did that happen?!). Her vocabulary is increasing and she recently learned to say, “No. No! No!” Please pray for me. Before I know it she’ll be asking all the questions. Do you remember that stage? Why is the sun hot? Where is God? (A church member recently shared with me a good God question asked by her grandson. Neither of us had an answer.) How? Why? So many questions.

I’m participating in a webinar soon about inclusion. The guiding question is: Are all really welcome in your church? Good question. I’m preaching on the transfiguration and will ask: do we really want to be transformed? Good question.

With the leadership of its chair, James Thomas, the Faith Formation Team has planned a Spring Speaker Series in which guests will address various good questions.

March 24: How is the church called to respond to the opioid crisis?

Guest speaker Elizabeth Brewington is the Opioid Response Program Coordinator with the North Carolina Council of Churches in their Partners in Health and Wholeness Program. The goal of the Opioid response program is to provide to faith leaders and communities of faith across the state, accurate information, accessible resources, and to dispel the many myths about the opioid crisis and those affected by it so that everyone can work toward compassionate rather than punitive and coercive responses.

April 7: How is the church called to address issues of immigration?

Guest speaker Rachel Baker is the Immigration Advocacy Program Coordinator for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Rachel was engaged in immigration advocacy through her immersion in a multicultural, bilingual church, Reconciliation, which was started by her father. There, she was actively involved in the ministries of the congregation, working directly with first generation immigrant families. Her work at the North Carolina Council of Churches includes helping to build the NC Sanctuary Coalition. She works directly with pastors and congregations of North Carolina churches offering Sanctuary.

Each presentation will begin at 9 a.m. on those days with coffee and refreshments available at 8:45 before the program. Even more info will be shared soon.

I’m grateful that our church is a place where we can ask difficult questions. Join us for the Speaker Series in the months to come. Join us in all our conversations. May we listen well to one another. May we also listen for the Spirit in all things.

Peace be with you.

Melissa