I was driving home from church yesterday around 5:30 PM and passed by a house with three small winter coats strewn across the front yard. Three lonely, wilted coats lying on the ground completely abandoned by the small bodies so recently protected by their warmth. I thought amusedly, “The Rapture!” Of course, I wasn’t really concerned that the owners of those coats had ascended to heaven leaving the rest of us behind, or that the small owners of those coats had fallen victim to some dreadful harm. Seeing those coats lying on the grass where only days earlier there had been several inches of snow made me smile as I thought back to all the winter coats that my children lost or left at school when spring teased and tantalized. I remember losing a coat or two myself, when that marvelous sense of spring freedom overcomes everything, even common sense. Winter is over, or is it? This morning it was 19 degrees. I sure hope those roguish young’uns rescued their prematurely discarded winter attire in time to ward off the icy temperatures that greeted them this morning on their way to school.

Spring is just hours away as I write and my trip to Ireland only four weeks away! Winter is so very long, yet I’m wondering where it went? Time flies! I’m looking forward spring flowers, warmer weather, and walks on the beach! I’m joyfully anticipating the return of our members and friends who winter in warmer places. Spring is a busy time at People’s Church, and before we are all lured into countless activities and vacation plans, remember to mark your calendars for important upcoming events to support our church. (See article below for the events and dates)

The Stewardship Campaign is off and running after a wonderful kickoff on March 18, thanks to the efforts of many members and friends. This church is bustling with energy as we plan for the coming year and the future. We have lots to be proud of and much more to look forward to. Now is the time to be good stewards of the rich faith tradition we have inherited and are empowered to protect, nurture, and pass on.

As a way of reminding us of our responsibilities to our UU faith and of strengthening our commitment to our mission and vision for People’s Church, the board voted to adopt a Congregational Covenant and, together, we crafted the following statement for your final approval on Celebration Sunday.

We, the members and friends of People’s Church, covenant to create and Sustain an intergenerational religious community built on trust, respect, and understanding. Guided by our mission we covenant to embrace diversity, encourage one another to participate fully in congregational life and to grow and learn together in faith and love.

We covenant to maintain open and honest communication, and handle all disagreements with courtesy, fairness, and forgiveness. We promise to listen to one another, assume good intentions, identify common goals, and value the gifts brought by all.

In support of our shared ministry and of our common dream of making a difference in the lives of those who find sanctuary In our church, in our community, and in the world, we covenant to honor our commitments, to live our Unitarian Universalist principles in our daily lives, and to give generously of our spiritual gifts and material resources.

This we covenant together.

Wendy Martin created a slogan describing People’s Church to put on the soccer team t-shirts we are sponsoring that accurately and succinctly describes this church community. I just love it…

Open Minds~Open Hearts~Open Arms

WELCOME HOME!

Now there’s a church worth supporting!

In faith, Cathy