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Three years ago at a leadership retreat we decided that one of our areas of focus would be on telling our story.  As part of this work we developed our Why Statement: We believe everyone needs a safe space to be loved for who they are already. This statement is the organizing feature for our newsletter and our website.  Everything we do as a Parish from worship (We believe) to fellowship (to be loved) to trustees (a safe space) can be found in our why. It helps us be clear about who we are and what we do in honor of God.

A few weeks ago the trustees decided to cover up the rotting letters on the front of the church with a banner that touted our why statement. We chose a rainbow palette to really make clear our commitment to inclusion and the celebration of all people in our community. I think this might be the best $70 we ever spent! Just last week we had a family come to worship for the first time. New to Portland, they walked by our sign and thought our church might be a place where they could find community. They even came back the next week.

Stories are powerful. Telling who we are, why we are here, and what we value is the best way to welcome people into the great thing God is doing in our midst. Sometimes our stories are told by the things we do like showing kindness. Sometimes we tell our stories by talking about our community with the people in our lives. And sometimes we tell our story with a new sign.

Together, as we keep proclaiming who God has made us to be and why, beautiful things will continue to unfold.

-Eilidh