All of our ministries will continue while Sharon is away, and new vision will begin. This is sabbath renewal for us, as well!
While Pastor Sharon is traveling, studying, and growing, we’ll also be growing together here in Bellingham. The themes of Sharon’s sabbatical will have parallel themes that we’ll gather around here. In May, we’ll look at “Family History”- what are the ways our family, racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage shape us? How can we be informed by these traditions, and how can we wrestle with the challenging aspects of them?
In June, we’ll talk about “Faith History”- all the many religious and ethical traditions that we bring with us to First Congregational Church of Bellingham. How does the blending and interweaving of those traditions create what we are now and draw us to what’s next?
And in July, we’ll talk about “Church History”- what parts of our congregation’s story can guide us in the coming years? What parts do we need to honor and reckon with? And how do we continue to move from church history into church future?
We’ll have congregational events, art installations, and more creative opportunities as we share this journey together, and as we look forward to celebrating together when Pastor Sharon comes back home!