Dear Friends,

This Summer has been full of connections in our community, from our Day at the Beach at Wrightsville Reservoir, to our BYO Lunches on the lawn; our Meditation Services, Hymn Sing, and Annual Camping Trip; the Summer Camp and Mural painting, just to name a few events these past few months have held.

What a joy to have been bumping into joyful youth and adults so regularly. I’ve enjoyed watching as the life of our congregation shifts and reshapes itself with change, like the water we’ll celebrate this Ingathering Sunday.

As you’ve likely noticed, whether you’ve been attending UCM for a few months or a few years, this is a lively place! There are so many groups, events, teams, and more … so many opportunities to connect. I hope I can be here this Fall to help you do just that. Stop by the Welcome Table during Coffee Hour, take a look at what’s coming up, and see how you can weave your way into something that will feed your soul, lift your heart, challenge your mind, or heal your spirit.

On Sunday, October 26th especially, there will be an Activities Fair during Coffee Hour you won’t want to miss – a chance to learn more about the many active groups, committees, and teams doing vital work – and play – in our congregation.

Among other exciting upcoming events, I hope you’ll consider participating in one of our Circle Suppers this Fall. In the coming two weeks, there will be sign-up forms for Hosts, then once dates & times are set into place, there will be sign-ups for Attendees. Whether you’ve got room for two, room for ten, or anywhere in between, we welcome you to consider Hosting a Circle Supper – the date & time are up to you, and it doesn’t even need to be a ‘supper,’ brunch works just as well! Flexibility and creativity are most welcome (you can even choose a ‘theme’ for the potluck meal if you wish), and as always, we’re all so grateful for your hospitality. ~Elaine