Pastor Eric uses a humorous anecdote about his toddler’s comfort in the sanctuary, even to the extent of feeling safe enough to poop in the pulpit(!) to illustrate the profound nature of spiritual belonging. The church should be a space where individuals feel safe enough to release their tensions and vulnerabilities, mirroring the transformative experiences of encountering the risen Christ.

Through this story, Pastor Eric reflects on the risen Christ appearing to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus to emphasize that resurrection is more than a logical, intellectual exercise; it is a tangible, life-raising power found in acts of hospitality and communal care. The life-raising power of God, "resurrection," is experienced through a supportive community that welcomes strangers and embraces their disruptions. The "risen body of Christ" is made real when diverse people find healing, joy, and authentic connection within a sacred space.