The following was reprinted with permission from the newsletter of the Beneficent Congregational Church, UCC, in Providence

Dear Beneficent Friends,

Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness." (John 10:10, GNT).

When do you feel most alive?
 - Is it at work or school, when you are engaging a new problem or project
 - Is it when you return home to peace and quiet, or to the bustle of family life?
 - Is it when you push your body physically, when you feel your heart and lungs at work?
 - Is it at times of emotional closeness with others? Or when you are alone in nature?

When does church feel most alive?
 - Is it during worship? When we sing? When we greet one another?
 - Is it when we study scripture or engage in theological debate?
 - Is it when we eat together? Meet and dream and plan together? March together?
 - When we are at work serving the community?

Could it be when we pause to grieve with one another, recognizing the preciousness of those we love? Or when we welcome new life as we speak welcome with one voice at a baptism or reception of members?

Sometimes in the day-to-day work of church life I can forget to mention the passion that drives my ministry:
 - I believe in the life-giving power of God at work in the local church.
 - I believe in the transformations that happen in church communities.
 - I believe in the future of congregations that seek to listen for the Holy Spirit and dare to go where they are sent.

May our pulses quicken as we hear Christ's call to love, to serve, and to live.

With you on the Interim Journey,
Pastor Michelle