In recent months, our church council has been asking about our sense of calling as a congregation. What’s the message that draws us? What are we coming to believe and value? What ministries are developing here, and why? What directions do we feel called to? What concerns us in our world? Energizes us?
The council would like to invite others into this conversation – after worship on Sunday, April 26, during fellowship time with coffee and treats.
We like the image of a path that we walk together. In scripture, this path is called liberation, release, redemption. Jesus said, “when I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12) The five statements below come out of council reflections on the path before us, and may go into the website or a brochure in the pews. Do any of these statements resonate with you? Are there other ways to describe the path we’re on – as we follow Christ’s lead?
Where is our path taking us?
1. From measuring up to being beloved – in the Palo Alto stress of high expectations and achievement, we’re learning to live from God’s delight in us, giving us worth without regard to distinctions, successes, failures. Church can be a place of relief, not burden.
2. From isolation to connection – We’re not alone. We want to be a warm neighborhood hub for community and mutual support across generations and culture. We are learning to be accepted as we are, as it says in our statement of welcome.
3. From fast to slow – Silicon Valley schedules are overloaded, and work can feel all-consuming. We find ways to slow down, pay attention, reflect and rest. We want to live by God’s time, beginning with Sundays as First Day and Feast. We pace ourselves with the rhythm of music and liturgy.
4, From machine to human – Screens are everywhere and A.I. is advancing. Many of us work in tech; we want to find ways to be more human, as creatures in God’s good creation. In gratitude, we try to care for the gifts entrusted to us.
5. From preoccupied to engaged – caught up in self-concern, we are called to attention and care for neighbors in need, right outside the church door to the Bay Area and beyond. In a scary world, God gives us courage to keep going and invite others along.
We have much to celebrate around FLC, and we look for this to be an energizing conversation!
