Dear Friends,

What does the word community mean to you?  Do you belong to the Friends’ Community?  You probably know this answer.  But I am reflecting today on the communities we are a part of and how we can be more a part of every community in which we are a part, whether it be your family community, your faith community, your work community and so on. Does it feel like it’s working for you?  Are you carrying your fair share? Have you taken on too much? Either way can mess with the feeling and cohesion of community.

Community can be really messy because it is made up of people and people are complicated beings.  To live in community takes a strong commitment to stay through the rough times and to give your share all of the time.  Sometimes it just takes patience for us to wait out the bad times and be there for others.  I am connected to you.  We are all connected.  But community is a covalent bond that makes a promise to stay through the times when it is not fun, knowing that when the time comes when it is rewarding or beneficial, you are in the right place.  You can be relied on. 

Let’s give all we should be giving to our communities of which we are a part.  Let people know that they are valued.  Listen intentionally, blocking all else out as much as possible.  Be as present as possible.  Sometimes that is as easy as putting the phone down or being willing to stop what you are doing or thinking about just to be.

Blessings,

Leigh

Announcements

• May 24 – 2:00 Singing Resistance
• May 26 – 4:30 Interfaith Food Pantry; If you want to volunteer please contact Alicia Pinkerton
• May 27 – 6:00 Music CommitteeMay 30 – 6:00 – 6:30 Candlelight Vigil and singing resistance songs
• May 31 – 11:00 Monthly Business Meeting
•  June 7 – 9:00 Bible study – Book of Mark – chapter 1
•  June 7 – 11:00 Singing after church of three or four songs that we know well for future singing during worship in the future
• June 9 – 5:30 Ministry and Care
• June 14 – 11:00 Book Study –The Naked Now
• June 15 – 9:00 Church Cleanup