Who We're From
As Pastor Sharon begins her sabbatical, the congregation begins a parallel period of reflection, exploring who we are, what grounds us as God’s people, and what God calls us to do and be. The first theme of Sharon’s sabbatical is “Who I’m From.” While she examines her roots, we will explore our roots and stories. We’ll consider questions such as:
- How do our sacred spaces make us who we are?
- What spiritual strengths stem from our environments?
- What moments in history have shaped our choices?
We believe that God is a God of history who moves and acts in history and in our lives. When we share our stories, we witness the power of God at work in our lives. Our congregation is comprised of people who have come from different places and have different experiences, interests, and backgrounds. We have come together to form a community of faith. We are God’s people in this place and in this moment in history.
Several events and programs have been designed to help in our exploration. As many of you know, the Variety Show has become an annual event at First Congregational Church. This year, it’s going to be a little bit different. The theme, “Our Roots/Our Stories” will help the Variety Show become a vehicle for us to learn more about who we are. And you are invited to participate! You might choose to tell a story of your life’s journey, read a poem you wrote, share a folk dance from your ethnic heritage, sing a song your grandparent taught you, or one you composed yourself. The possibilities are endless!
The 2022 Variety Show will be held Saturday June 4 at 6:00 pm. The doors will open at 5:30 pm. Whether or not you join the program, plan to attend! You’re sure to learn more about who we are as God’s people!
Please contact John Green to sign up. You can e-mail him at jsgreenmachine@yahoo.com or call or text 612-991-3330.
We’re also turning to another common church practice, collecting recipes, as a way to get to know one another. Once again, it will be a familiar practice with a unique twist. We don’t just want recipes; we want the stories! Is this the dish that you always serve at Thanksgiving? Whose recipe is it—your own creation or one passed down in your family? Maybe you a recipe that is a part of your family’s ethnic tradition, or maybe it comes from another part of your life. I, for example, have no known Greek ancestors, but I fell in love with Greek food when we lived in Chicago.
You can email stories and recipes to susan@fccb.net, mail them to the church, or bring them to church on Sunday. A box for collecting them will be available in the Narthex.
I am excited to hear the stories of this congregation! We have a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another better and to explore the movement of God in our lives. Let’s explore our faith together as God’s beloved community in this time and place.
Peace and blessings,
Susan
