Church,
 
You know how to show up. Twice this week, I have seen you show up for one another. First, last Sunday Julie Eklund, former pastoral intern, soared through her Ecclesiastical Council (just means church meeting) and was voted ready to be ordained as a minister. This was at Spring Creek UCC and yet there were almost as many from SecondFirst as from anywhere else. You beautifully demonstrated our covenant with the Prairie Association and UCC as well as your love for Julie. Second, Debbie Wise, our office manager, lost her longtime boyfriend. The visitation was in Belvidere and yet many of you were there to show your love and support.
 
As a church, we promise to do life with and for one another, but life can get messy both in good and bad ways. That promise is not always easy to live out. We can be hindered by saying to ourselves, “well, I wouldn’t know what to do in that situation” or “I wouldn’t know what to say.” There are no easy answers for action nor one-size-fits-all things to say, so instead we simply show up. Showing up matters most.
 
Thanks for being a church that shows up. For the good, the bad and the ordinary, you show up. Way to do and be church, friends! You are a great example of faithful friends in Christ to me and the world.
 
Peace,

Rebecca