Note: This week’s lead column is from Jane Baudelaire, the Chair of The Great Gathering. I’m grateful for her service to our church, and I found her words particularly moving. I’ll see many of you at The Great Gathering.   – Rev. Justin Schroeder

Read the full issue of the April 14 Weekly Liberal here.

My name is Jane Baudelaire and I’m a random congregant who happens to do some fundraising for our church. It’s one of the ways I give back. And when I say “our church” I don’t mean that same old pew I always sit in or the rickety pulpit or the world’s slowest elevator. I mean all of you – all of us. The people who stand on the side of love; who house the homeless; who march in the streets; who knit and cook and who show up again and again to give a voice to the hopeless and marginalized.

The people I have come to hold so dear.

Last year, when my life was turned upside down and I was challenged to re-invent myself, I seriously considered walking away from this church. I thought it would be way too awkward to suddenly find myself sitting alone in that same old pew I always sit in. But you never left me alone. You rallied around me; you propped me up, you carried me through and you gave me hope.

So I support this church.

And today I’m asking you for your support. There’s a big fundraiser happening here on April 23rdcalled The Great Gathering. We’re raising money to support our church’s youth ministries and social justice work as well as the construction of a new pulpit. I would appreciate it – it would mean a lot to me – if you would all be there. And if you can’t be there, cash donations in lieu of attendance are greatly appreciated.

You’ll find me in the social hall after services on Sunday, April 17. Find event details and ticket info here.

Thank you — and thank you for being here.

Jane Baudelaire