Dear Ones of St. C’s,

I have spent this week with the church planting initiative in the Episcopal Church.  At these gatherings we talk about church a lot.  We talk about what it means for a church to be sustainable, life-giving and Gospel driven.  Who is the church reaching and who is it missing?  What do we mean when we say church?  A building? A group of people?  The institution? As I have been steeped in these conversation I kept going back to St. Columba’s this steady, but flexible, open, but rooted place.  I thought about our in pledge gathering this past Sunday with the Sudanese community and the Congolese Choir.  All these different cultures coming together to celebrate and speak to a Gospel that says, all are welcome. I think of a building and a land that welcomes refugees, people who are hungry, bees, people without a home, kids, youth, those who are working, those who are retired, and everyone in between.  I am so thankful for this place that allows this community to dream and play and learn more what it means to love people from all walks of life.  A people and a place that finds a God present that teaches us about grace, forgiveness, and love so that we can come ready to offer these things to one another.  

This is why I believe in the church.  This is why I believe in this congregation who makes up this church and calls this building home.  Thanks be to God for each of you.  For supporting this church in keeping its lights on and the staff funded.  For giving of yourselves with your time, finances, and your heart.  Whenever we open ourselves up to love we offer pieces of hearts and I am so thankful for each of you for entrusting this community and this staff with pieces of your heart.  

With Gratitude,
Meghan