This summer at the Parish we are hearing stories of faith. Folks from across the Parish are speaking at morning worship and retelling a favorite scripture, sharing a story from their life, or recounting a tale that helps them know God more fully. One of the things I noticed is that many of these folks have come to the Parish within the last 4 years. Of the 9 storytellers 4 have been here longer than 4 years. Two of those, Tim and Paige were part of Capitol Hill UMC, and then were part of SFC when Capitol Hill closed. This is a legacy of faith that continues to bless this community.
Community is like this. New people with new stories join in the life of the community and shape and change the work of the community. We are constantly changing and growing as we learn from each other and share life together. It is a beautiful rhythm, almost like breathing. New air comes in and our breath goes out into the world.
The stories we will experience this summer are holy gifts and a sign of the vibrant, holy life here. Folks who have been here for decades will tell of their faith, and folks who have arrived here after a move or a search will tell of their faith. People who have long been confident in God with them will reveal moments of closeness and others will tell of their questions or doubt.
We are so, so fortunate to be a faith community with deep roots and new growth. I picture us often as one of the beautiful evergreen trees that cover this neighborhood. Tall and strong, with bright green tips on their leaves.
-Eilidh
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