There was an excitement in the air last Sunday at our Gathering of the Waters ceremony. The symbolic regathering of our community after our summers away was inspiring. I love our ritual, where we pour a little part of what we have found in our time of separation, and season our sacred waters with the power, peace, healing and homecoming that we have found in our time away. For me, it is a recommitment to our community and a reminder that each of us carries within us elements of the sacred that are ready to be poured out for one another.

And then, to step into the courtyard and witness the places where your good gifts can be called in to work towards a better world on behalf of the UCG, and on behalf of all of us, was equally inspiring. Over 100 people signed up for boards and committees that will call forth our acts of generosity, love and service in the year ahead; joining their names and hearts with the hundreds who have already heeded the call. If you missed the opportunity to join one of our boards and committees (the lifeblood of who we are and how we operate in the world), fear not, you can still join the board or committee that will call on your skills and passion. You can sign-up on the bulletin board outside the church office on Sunday morning or email us in the office and we’ll be happy to help place you!

We have an exciting year ahead. With 31 small group offerings scheduled for the fall, a discernment process for whether we are called to be a Creation Justice congregation, new visions and dreams for our children’s ministries, a robust middle and high school youth group, the Our Whole Lives for 6-9th graders getting started and the choir already making magnificent music– and so many other wonderful ways to engage your hearts and minds, I am delighted and inspired to get back to another great year here at the United Church of Gainesville. Let’s get to work!