Dear Friends and Members,
Grace and peace to you all from your pastors.
Visionary scholar and educator Dr. Angeles Arrien, who bridges the worlds of anthropology, psychology, and religion, noted that the most basic step of leadership is simply showing up. Her study across traditional cultures indicated that the term ‘warrior’ wasn’t about anger or conflict or violence, but an ancient way of talking about leadership. This kind of leadership was presence; showing up for the community and its well-being. It’s a simple and surprisingly profound power, showing up. The powerful story of God in Christ Jesus is a grand expression of God showing up in the flesh for the well-being of the human
community and Creation.
In this time of altered, physically-distanced social life, we can still show up for the community and its well-being. With our deep roots of congregational focus, the UCC understands the Body of Christ as communal in its essence. The “we” is a source of strength, discernment, and wisdom, a pathway through which the Christ Presence can be experienced. That means we lead together and that
each member of the body, having their own gifts, is offering a form of
leadership by simply showing up for the community, for the Common Good.
In this challenging time, it’s more important than ever to be those who show up for the community by supporting each other and celebrating the Common
Good. So we are inviting you all to keep showing up for the community at large and for the UCUCC community as much as you can in your own ways; a phone call, a written note, a text, a check, an errand, an email, a vote, some volunteer time, a Facebook message, a Zoom call, a patio visit, a walk, a prayer, a job well done, even a car parade like we’re having Sunday from 12:30 – 2:00 pm outside our church building (and live-streamed for those who can’t join in person).
We hope you are continuing to stay safe enough, supported, and healthy.
Even amidst all that is, we can show up. God will be there already.
In Christ,
Amy Roon
Catherine Foote
Todd Smiedendorf
Here is how to reach us:
Catherine, cfoote@universityucc.org (206) 321-7604
Amy, aroon@universityucc.org (206) 605-6893
Todd, tsmiedendorf@universityucc.org (303) 882-9631
24-hour pastoral emergency cellphone (206) 445-3378