3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

• Philippians 1:3-6

I have been thinking of this passage lately in terms of our collective calling to be a church called Fleming Road UCC!  When I think of the work of God’s Spirit being done in and through the lives of our congregation and community, I am simply blessed…and very grateful.  

Every week it seems like we are growing closer together as a church.  It seems like we are in a season of personal and corporate transformation.

Every Sunday, and throughout the week, I am simply amazed at what I am learning as I’m around folks from our church!  You are changing me, and we are being changed together!

Our conversation around what it means to be a part of the “new parish” is also producing much fruit in terms of friendship and dialogue.  Our church, our denomination, and the church universal are attempting to ask the tougher questions of faith and what it means to be a church in our current context.  When asked honestly, those questions can sometimes lead to some answers, sometimes more mystery, but always deeper, more authentic community.  We are seeing that in the church, with our denomination of the UCC, and with others like Oasis and the Parish Collective! 

Together, we have a great partnership.  There is amazing unity growing in our church.  Ego and divisiveness melts away in the flow of God’s loves.  There is a growing sense of loving accountability that is beautiful to see emerge, even when there are tough issues to face.  

This unity and partnership is key.  As I continue to grow and understand more my role as the pastor at Fleming Road UCC, I am amazed at how God provides and teaches me through this community.  I’ve been in ministry now for close to 30 years (wow, I’m feeling old), yet I feel more invigorated now than ever before because of God’s work in this church a as we attempt to reach and build community with each other and with friends in this neighborhood.

I am also confident that God will complete the work that he has begun here at Fleming Road UCC.  We have a great history as a church.  It is simply a privilege to be a partner in this congregation as we share the good news of God’s Presence and new creation to a world that so desperately needs to hear it! 

PS – I hope you can join us in the conversations at the Conspire Gathering this October!  Check it out at Conspire Gathering!