A deep sense of newness

Dear First Universalist,

What a joy it has been getting to know some of you over the past few weeks! I’ve felt immediately welcomed into this community, and I can see why this place has such an amazing reputation when it comes to creating a culture of belonging. 

While there are always so many moving parts when it comes to starting something, I can’t help but sink into the deep sense of “newness” that surrounds me. A new building. A new staff. New meeting times. A new part of my own personal journey. Sometimes I need to remind myself to pause and breathe. This is really happening! What an honor. What a blessing.

One thing that is not new, and I could sense this from my first day, is the beautiful lineage that I am entering into here at First U. Hearing new and old stories about the things that make this community what it is. The commitment to making the world a more humane and loving place, within, among, and beyond the church walls. It has become clear to me that this church strives to be a site of radical hospitality, a kind of welcoming that makes everyone feel seen for the beautiful people that they are.

As your Community Connections Coordinator, I want to do all that I can to help strengthen this sense of welcome. As we enter fall and the beginning of the church year, please know that I am here to help connect you into a small group. The groups that this place offers can strengthen your ability to make meaning of the world around you. There are, and will continue to be, countless opportunities to get involved in the community here, and I can help you find your crew! If you have an idea for a small group or gathering that you would like to host, the submission form is open through this Sunday, August 30.

You can find me stationed at the Welcome Table in the middle of the Social Hall after service on Sundays. Swing through! I hope you’ll also come to our first Community Dinner of the new church year on September 9. I can’t wait to talk.