Weekly News | 7.31.26

In the context of a community, how would you articulate the difference between “attending” and “belonging”?

Attending involves being physically present with others in a shared space. Showing up.

Attending is crucial. Time is a necessary ingredient in discerning the questions we carry: What do I think about the person and teachings of Jesus? Do I sense God’s presence here? Do I want to know and be known by these people? Attending may be done in a variety of postures, sometimes multiple ones held simultaneously: openness, curiosity, eagerness, skepticism.

One might attend for a prolonged season, particularly after experiences of hurt, loss, or weariness. Attending Church of the Cross is always welcomed. May the good and gentle grace of God meet all who attend!

Attending precedes and sustains belonging.

Belonging speaks to possession. To a claim. To belong in a community means that the others belong to you in some way, and you to them. We associate with, have a share with one another. There are things we do and things we don’t do because we belong to Jesus and His Body.

As Church of the Cross, one of our practices of belonging is to feast together. Several times throughout the year, we buzz around the sanctuary, moving chairs, rolling out tables, moving chairs again. We bring our crock pots, our pyrexes, our foil trays, and we share a meal.

This year our Fall Kick-Off Potluck is after our final single service of the year (August 16th). We celebrate the return of our friends from travels and hail the resumption of rhythms of connection (The Garden, Youth Group, and Neighborhood Groups will restart soon!) with food.

Whether you attend Church of the Cross or you call her “home”, Fall Kick Off is a time for you to be fed. Take a look at the sign up, and get ready to pull up a chair. We are glad you’re here.

With joy,

Sarah+

P.S. During the service on August 16th, we will bless backpacks! If there is a student in your household, have them bring their backpack to the worship service on 8/16 and we will pray over them and their year ahead. For those of you whose vocation is tied to education, you are also in our prayers!