Getting Our Groove Back

At the beginning of the pandemic, we knew that we would eventually come out the other end, however changed. Well, here we are, coming out the other end, changed.

At first, that liminal time was very unsettling. But let’s step back and appreciate the creativity and camaraderie that it unleashed. Through the hard work of many, working together, we have be- come a multi-platform operation and continue to develop in that area. We all worked together to protect our most vulnerable and ensured that no one was left behind.

In the Terry McMillan story, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Stella got it back by finding a balance between her personal needs and her responsibilities. Isn’t that what we are doing? We continued the work within and outside our walls during our, and our greater community’s, shutdowns. And by accepting reasonable risk, we achieved the balance of protecting the vulnerable among us while allowing most to continue to gather in person.

As we feel our way in this new groove, some things will feel familiar and comforting, while others will feel foreign and challenging. We never stopped moving. Where will becoming a Welcoming Congregation take us? What new directions will help us to grow? In what new ways will we continue to build our Beloved Community?

Finding our groove is a process that is creating the space in which to imagine and do new things. Let us remain mindful and direct our creativity so that we are never so comfortable in our new groove that it becomes a rut.

Faithfully,

Arnie Ondis
Governing Board President