Read the full issue of this week’s Liberal here.

Rev. Justin Schroeder writes:

When I come to church these days, I find my heart overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude for the church members and friends who turned our classrooms into bedrooms for the four families we’re hosting as part of Families Moving Forward. Gratitude for all working on our Capital Campaign, having heart-to-heart conversations with members and friends about the future of the church. Gratitude for those who serve on our Pastoral Care Team, and care for one another. Gratitude for our Youth and the messages and song they have shared with us these past Sundays.

This Sunday, at our Annual Flower Communion Service, we will celebrate and recognize all of the people who help the ministry of First Universalist flourish! We will thank our Religious Education teachers, our Faithful Action leaders and participants, our Elected Leaders, our Hospitality Teams, our Worship Associates, our Circle Facilitators, our various committees and teams, and hundreds of other people who week after week, show up with love and humility to serve one another and our larger community. If you have served the church in any capacity this past year, you will be recognized and thanked this Sunday! Please plan to join us for this service of gratitude and community, and then stay afterwards for the Annual Meeting, which begins at 11:30 a.m.

Speaking of gratitude, I am thankful for the deepening and growing relationship between Masjid An-Nur (Mosque of Light) and First Universalist. Several months ago, 25 members and friends of First Universalist attended a Friday prayer service at the Mosque. Now, during the month of Ramadan, we have been invited to an Iftar meal (the meal that breaks the fast at the end of the day) at the Mosque on Tuesday, June 20, at 8 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please register here . We’ll gather at 8 p.m. at the Mosque for prayer and conversation, and then break fast and share a meal together at 9:03 p.m. I hope you’ll attend.

Amidst the heartbreak and injustices of the world, there is much to be grateful for; so much is in bud.

I’ll see you in church,
Justin