April was an exhilarating month at People's Church with the Stewardship Kickoff, Easter, and the annual HUUA District meeting in Grand Rapids. I was so inspired by a mission and vision workshop taught by Rev-Dr. Brent Smith, I have a better understanding of my role in helping this church achieve its goals. In addition, I acquired some guidance in communicating to the board and to you the nature and spectrum of my work in ministry to this church and its mission.

One main goal that was agreed upon at the December 12, 2006 Board Retreat is this: We will become a mission-centered church, using our current mission statement as the standard. This will require more frequent communication of our mission to the congregation and making decisions based on the mission.

People’s Church is a loving religious community for people of all ages which embraces diversity, empowers individual spiritual growth, and acts on our Unitarian Universalist principles.

Beyond Sunday morning and the usual ministerial duties, here are a few examples of what I am doing to help People’s Church achieve this important goal:

Our mission statement was featured in sermons in both March and April, and the new covenant statement was introduced in the newsletter, in a sermon, and in the beautiful stewardship packet that was mailed to members and friends last week. My letter in the packet focused on mission, vision, and covenant.

The Coming of Age class invited me to lunch after Sunday services on March 18. They had prepared questions on UU faith, my faith journey, and the work of UU ministry.

I am facilitating a 12-week, Living the Questions class in Manistee to promote our faith and reach out to our Manistee members as well as potential new members and friends. There are 5 non-UU regular attendees. (We are halfway through.)

I am co-facilitating the Living by Heart monthly group that includes non-members as well as members and friends of People's Church. The intent of the class is to deepen spiritual growth and enhance the lives of the participants. I recruited Tim Payment for next year's OWL class that will be offered to our 10th-11th graders, an age group that has been neglected this year. (Thank you, Tim!)

After a meeting with Ludington High School counselor Laura Furstenburg, I attended the GSA group meeting at People’s Church on Friday, March 16, and I plan to attend their meetings whenever possible.

I organized an Evensong for Families 8-week program that began with five families and included 10 children ages 7 and under. A conversation has begun about the possibility of People's Church offering a Saturday night service. I see this as a very important part of our mission to create a spiritual community for people of all ages, and the positive energy is contagious! If you would like to help with a meal and meet these wonderful families, call the church office or email me at revharrington@mac.com.

We have the joy of summer ahead and the joyful prospect of seeing old friends who will be returning soon. I am filled with gratitude for this church community, for who we are and for who we are becoming. Our cup runneth over!

In a few hours, I will board a plane for Ireland for two weeks. The first week will be devoted to leisure and sightseeing. I’m especially looking forward to visiting ancient cathedrals and getting acquainted with my Irish roots. The second week, I’ll be attending a “Love, Loss, and Forgiveness” workshop at a Buddhist monastery in the Beara Peninsula. This will be a time of healing and discernment. A gift.

I hold you all in my heart always and will look forward to seeing you when I return.

In faith and love, Cathy