Pastor’s Note May 2026
April showers will (hopefully) bring May flowers—so let’s do some planting. Not literal flowers with roots and petals, but relationship flowers.
One of the gifts of church life is simply being together—sharing highs and lows, telling the stories of our weeks, and naming the emotions that come with them. Over time, those moments grow into something beautiful: friendships where we feel known, seen, and cared for. These “relationship flowers” often take root in simple places—the narthex before worship or around a table at brunch.
During the summer months, we’ll take a break from brunch, but we won’t take a break from connection. Instead, we’ll gather after worship in the fellowship hall for coffee and guided small-group activities:
- First Sunday: Listening Post – a theme and questions for table conversation
- Second Sunday: Lectio Divina – a contemplative reading of Scripture
- Third Sunday: Core Value Index – exploring the values of Banker, Builder, Merchant, and Innovator
- Fourth Sunday: Book Club – Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You by Daniel Cooperrider (I’ll also be preaching from it that morning—read ahead or just come join the discussion)
Also this summer, perhaps we can find new ways to gather around food! Meals That Matter are simple, intentional gatherings built around a shared meal and meaningful conversation. You could host a lunch or supper in your home, plan a campfire cookout, or simply make a reservation at a restaurant and invite people to join you. Each gathering will include a few guiding questions to help us share stories and connect more deeply.
If you’d like to host a Meals That Matter gathering, email me at timgrade@gmail.com. Let’s plant some relationship flowers and watch them bloom this summer.
As Psalm 133:1 reminds us: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Submitted by Rev. Tim Grade