We celebrate Advent as a time of expectation, of humble understanding that we are in need of the one who came before to show us the way.

What will you do this Advent, as a child of a loving God, to see justice for our neighbors?

Each person is a gift from God – the UCC is called to welcome every one of them; to greet them with kindness, embrace their gifts, celebrate their talents. Orient your heart towards welcoming the stranger.

That God loves us in spite of our shortcomings, we are saved through grace by faith. That knowledge helps fuel our shared mission.

Unity is central to who we are. No love will be received, no welcome accepted, nor any justice survive if not offered in a true spirit of unity.

Why are we here? For what are we most needed? What are our creator’s expectations of us?

Here's to endurance. Here's to a faith not shaken. Here's to the abiding presence of the sacred Grace of God.

In this election cycle, a litany of labels leads us to fear the other. Fear asks too much of us to be worth what we give over to it. Drop the labels and ‘Breathe deep the breath of God.'

Reflecting on the journey better shapes the pathways and choices forward. What does your glance back say about your future steps?

When faced with adversity, do not underestimate the enduring power of faith and hope.