Our church is unique in so many ways. I hear about people who move away and search for somewhere like UCG without finding any place that’s comparable. One important foundation of this community is the number of members who participate on boards and committees. I was surprised to learn that there are over 200 volunteers who help out in some way.

Many of you have served on a variety of boards and committees and understand the value of being part of this group. It’s a great way to give back to UCG and you can make a difference in our local community depending on which board you join. You’ll have an opportunity to sign up either in person on Sunday, August 28th or online through August 31st. I hope you’ll consider it.

Talia recently did a worship service centered around children as leaders in our world and at UCG. The children’s story was written by Amanda Gorman, the young poet who read a poem titled “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Talia’s sermon was called “And a Child Must Lead”. At one point she said “I don’t think children lead in small ways—it’s all big”. She challenged boards and committees to consider how their decisions impact children and teens and how to partner with them in the future.

Here are a few lines from Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem that fit my theme this year—”Into the Light: Together Again”

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.