For many reasons, it seems we are heading into a new chapter as a church—as we think about how we use our building and prepare for a capital campaign, and as we pray about hiring a new staff person to attend to the people God has placed in our care.

The best way I know how to attune myself to God’s Spirit is through curiosity—asking questions, and then opening myself to the Spirit’s prompting. So, in this series, we are getting curious together: “What does the next season look like for us?” “How is God calling us to be a safe space here and now, at this time in history?”

This isn’t about “fixing the church,” or having all the answers, but opening ourselves to the movement of God’s Spirit, trusting that God is leading us to the incredible things we haven’t even imagined yet.

If you think about it, this is how Jesus taught—through questions and parables and invitations, rather than easy answers.

Today, curiosity leads us to think about what it means to be in community. And we have the opportunity to hear from Shannon Kantorowski, who is our Finance Manager here at BUMC. Shannon is someone for whom community has always been an important component of living as a follower of Jesus. Before coming here, she was trained to facilitate small groups, and she’s the one helping to start small groups here this winter. Each time Shannon and I have spoken about small groups and being in community, she’s spoken with such passion and excitement, and I’m excited for her to share that with you today.

Let us welcome Shannon!