Your Story Matters — And We Need to Hear It

"The telling of lives changes lives."

That line from pastoral theologian Mary Clark Moschella captures why this session matters so much. In a season of transition, the most important thing a congregation can do is tell its stories — honestly, openly, together. This session is about our history — the experiences that shaped this congregation, the moments that mattered. When those stories go untold, communities get stuck. When they are shared, something shifts. Energy returns. Clarity emerges. New possibilities open up.

We are looking forward to the first Listening Session, focused on the PAST, on Sunday, February 22, immediately following worship. A light lunch will be served. For planning purposes, we expect this session to last approximately 75 minutes. If you cannot attend in person, a Zoom session will also be available.

Theologian Nelle Morton once described a woman who, after being truly listened to, said: "You heard me to my own story." That is what we are making space for — a brave space where we hear one another into our own stories, and into the story of this congregation. Real community can't thrive if people's stories are suppressed. Your voice is part of our history. We are incomplete without it.

You don't need to prepare anything. Just come and share. Or simply come and listen — that, too, is a gift.

Future sessions will focus on the PRESENT (April 26) and the FUTURE (June 14).

This Sunday, Rev. Cheryl Bundy preaches on Transfiguration Sunday, contemplating Matthew 17:1–9 in a sermon titled Cloud Cover. And as we prepare to enter the season of Lent, please join us for our Ash Wednesday service this Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. Read more below about our Lenten series ahead.

Mooi Loop,

Dries