What do we appreciate?

As the Session met last weekend, Amy Lenander began by leading us in conversation around the challenges that we face as a church – mainly, the issues in our larger culture that make it difficult to reconnect as spiritual community.  At some level, we all knew what they were, but it was important to get them down on paper. 

Even more important, though, was getting to hear what everyone values about Western Church.  We used a wipe-off board, but Amy got pictures for future reference; the picture is shared here for everyone. 

This was one of those “first things that come to mind” kind of conversations. I’ve gone back to the picture a few times this week, just to make sure that I’m getting it right: Woven through all of the responses at some level, a deep sense of spiritual community was a constant theme of appreciation. 

We all know that our cultural and political climate remains polarized; that even with Zoom we become more insular; that divides between rich and poor, privileged and oppressed continue to grow; that it can be hard to connect on a deeper level with others, not to mention find someone to pray with who shares your concerns. 

Western will continue to grow as a courageous community – both deeper and wider – as we come together around what we value most, as together we find God’s gift of courage to face the larger challenges that surround us.  

This is also the season you are being asked to make your financial commitment to our church, to pledge your support for our church’s ministry and mission.  I invite you to take a moment to consider: 

• What do you appreciate about Western?

• What would you underline or add to the list?

• What about our community is helping you to find the “courage for the living of these days,” to borrow words from the hymn? 

Through all of this, know how much I appreciate all of you, your commitment to our community, and the Spirit that grants wisdom and courage to us all,

Laura