It has been my honor and privilege to walk with, pray with, and pray for you and your congregation as we continue to navigate how God is calling us to “Be the Church” in such a time and season as this. As we begin emerging slowly from and as we begin to heal in the aftermath of this global pandemic, I am reminded of a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes that is often shared when the church comes together celebrate the life of a beloved congregant.
This passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, which addresses the many different seasons in our lives, certainly seems relevant as we have all felt and experienced many peaks and valleys throughout the pandemic. I had the opportunity to share this passage from the book of Ecclesiastes when I was invited by the church moderator to fill the pulpit at Sun Lakes United Church of Christ. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ is currently in a time of pastoral transition and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to discern and discover who ‘they” are as a church, what are “they” doing as a church, where “they” are going as a church, and how “they” are going to get there as a church.
It is my heartfelt hope and prayer that as we slowly begin to heal and prepare to rebuild a life that was once comfortable and familiar to so many of us, that we will begin to find and feel a renewed sense of hope as we reenergize ourselves for the work of ministry that God is calling us into. In my role as the Conference Lay Minister for Disability, Education, Advocacy, and Awareness, I am primarily responsible for developing partnerships and building relationships with our congregations throughout the Southwest as they discern to see if they are ready to officially begin the process that would designate them as (WISE) Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaging Congregation for Mental Health.
Speaking of WISE, I am inviting and encouraging you and your congregation to discern, discuss, and discover how you can be Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaging for ALL people not just those with mental health challenges and different abilities. I look forward to seeing and hearing how your congregation responds to the call to be WISE as the church is more than a building, the church is the people. To inquire more information, I invite and encourage you to reach out and connect with me through email at swclayminister@gmail.com.
Your Partner in Ministry
Michael Curry
The Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ
Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness