Dear One’s of St. C’s, 

We are 2 and half months into our time with Alissa gone on sabbatical.  I have been amazed by the support this community has offered me.  Alissa being gone and this pandemic has allowed us all to reflect on what its means to be a part of the St. Columba’s community.  Our care and love for one another goes beyond Alissa’s excellent leadership and love for us.  (Although, we miss her and cannot wait to welcome her back with open arms in October!!).  There are some of us who still do not feel safe coming to church on Sunday morning, and guess what?  Our care and love for one another goes beyond these church walls as well.  (Although, we cannot wait until everyone feels safe being together again!!)

Being in this pandemic has also been disorienting, challenging, and confusing as we have all had to navigate our own comfort levels on how to gather and how to connect with others.  I pray and I hope that during this time our community and our church building have been touch points for you - touch points to God and touch points to yourself.  I hope that the roots you have planted at St. Columba’s has provided an orientation for you to who you are and how God is calling you to be in the world.

I hope that you feel a tether to this community.  That is why we are inviting you to write on a tile, paint a tile, or plant something in the memorial garden as sign of your roots digging down into this place.  This art project is not meant to be intimidating.  It can be as simple as writing your name.  Maeve will have some pre-painted tiles that you could simply add your name to.  We hope that you will see this action as a prayer to God and a sign that you belong here with us.

On September 26th at 10am Maeve will lead people through thinking about what they may want to write on their tile and people will have an opportunity to do this at that time.  On September 26th at 12:15pm Maeve will lead people through thinking about what they may want to draw on their tile and will be given an opportunity to do this at that time. The time and date of the opportunity to plant something will depend on the progress of the memorial garden - to be determined. If you would like to participate, but do not feel comfortable being in the church building with others please reach out to me and we will figure something out!

I cannot wait to see all these tiles and plants come together and reflect on what each of you mean to St. Columba’s.  Thank you all for making St. Columba’s what it is today;  a place of prayer, a place to belong, and a place to find a purpose beyond ones self.  I believe we are a magnificent village of people working together to care for one another and our surrounding community as Jesus has commanded us to do. It is an honor to do this with all of you. 

with love, 

Meghan