B is for Building Community.
One of my favorite sportswriters in the Globe used to have occasional columns where he “emptied out the sports drawer of [his] mind.” Here is a church version of this, as we head into the busy month of November (don’t forget to set your clocks back this Sunday morning). A few things that we are lifting up, pondering, working on at the First Parish in Lincoln… all under the umbrella of our core value of “Building Community.”
-If you are new to FPL or still looking for your people here, don’t miss the opportunities for connection and spiritual fulfillment offered by our weekly programs like the Meditation Sangha (Tuesdays), Children’s Choir and Adult Choir (Thursdays), and Quiet Walks (Fridays).
-If you have a suggestion for a new affinity group or offering, let Nate know!
-Our Caring Companions program is off and running, pairing trained lay volunteers who listen, pray, and hold sacred space for folks who are going through something (or just looking for connection). We are still actively matching folks with companions. Let Kit know if you’re interested.
-Our 9 Small Groups continue to meet monthly, offering connection and support for about 80 people. We will be launching a new small group in coming months, and there are still a few spots available in existing groups (depending on schedule alignment). Want to join a small group? Let us know your interest!
-Kit and I are getting to know a great group of newcomers via our Journey to Belonging conversations this week. In the last year alone, our new members and new participants have come to us from 8 different towns: Lexington, Belmont, Waltham, Weston, Wellesley, Concord, Sudbury, and of course Lincoln!
-Our recently formed Connections Team is working on the important tasks of integrating all FPL participants (especially but not only new members) into the life of our community, communicating pathways to committee involvement and leadership, and helping committees feel supported by identifying needs and proposing participants.
-Last, but certainly not least, we are so excited to be launching our new church logo, which helps us tell the story of our community with vibrancy and joy. Scroll down or click here to read more about the logo. And look out for a “merch drop” soon (think stickers, tote bags, mugs or hats)…hopefully in time for Christmas!
See you in church,
Nate and Kit
