Recently I have been inviting you to join me in thinking about continued vitality at Friedens Church. I have shared ideas about connecting with younger people, developing community partners, new metrics to measure vitality, and the ongoing need to build relationships.

Today I want to encourage your thinking about how we put into action the Open and Affirming and Just Peace Covenants. These covenants are valuable to communicate that we share the love of Christ with inclusivity and to make this world God loves a place where everyone gets a fair chance. These covenants are important to empower our efforts to move more and more into the community.

What might that look like? Could it be offering support groups for folks and their families who are part of the LGBTQ community? Could it be continuing educational and book studies that open our hearts and minds to the systemic struggles of marginalized communities? Could it be a more direct connection with neighbors who are refugees? Could it be a scholarship or mentorship program that helps underserved students take that next step in education?

What are your ideas? This is a time to discern the plans Christ has for us as an Open and Affirming and a Just Peace church. Share your thoughts with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com and with our president, Lisa Soard, at lsoard@indianabiosciences.org.

Yours in Christ,

Marc