Were You There? (And will you be?)

Last week’s worship service centering African American spirituals seemed to stir and open us in some tender ways. After singing “Were You There?” together, our prayer time generated the sharing of several stories: past and current events that call us at once to truth-telling and mercy. Thank you for sharing the vulnerabilities, concerns, and joys that these songs broke loose.

I had mentioned that the New England Conference UMC has scheduled a Civil Rights pilgrimage trip for April 16-19. Although the registration deadline has passed, there are still a few slots available if you register now. Learn more about the pilgrimage and find a registration link here.

I look forward to this coming Sunday as we gather for potluck (8:30 am), worship (10:00 am), and our 2026 Annual Meeting (11:00 am). It’s a great time to share and celebrate moments of faithfulness large and small, as well as to dream ahead for what might be.

And as we review the reports, we’re reminded that someday, someone in the future might ask the question, “were you there when…?” Were you there when—after 5+ years of hurdles—Harvest Crossing got final DRB approval? Were you there when the Christmas pageant had so many participants, we had to add an extra scene? Were you there when we read that book, sang that song, prayed that prayer, when it seemed that all was lost? I hope you’ll join in bearing witness to the year that was as we listen for where God is calling us to next.

Pastor Jen