One teenage morning, my mother was waking my brothers and me in order to get us to church on time.  I looked at her with bleary eyes and grumbled, "Why do we even go to church Mom?"  Her answer rings through my mind every Sunday since that morning.  She simply stated, "The obvious reason is that we go to church to worship God.  But what may not be so obvious is that we go to church to help other people.  And, one day you will go to church and need the help of these people."

What I can't tell you is who or what I have ever helped in my years of going to church.  But, what I can tell you is that many from Church of the Beloved have helped me in immeasurable ways through simple acts of generosity and love.  For instance, the retired teacher that continues to teach me about love and caring; the experienced business owner that has shown me how important a financial commitment is to a church; a stay-at-home mother that has taught me that giving does not stop with her full-time job to her family; the college student that has shown me that it is ok and cool to be an active Christian at that age; the alternative couple that has displayed tremendous conviction to their faith and church through times of public ridicule; and, a band that makes every-day music listening come alive with meaning and praise to God.

I can't tell you if I have ever helped someone at church.  But, what I can tell you is that I feel a wonderful sense of community, commitment and comfort with this church.  I trust our congregation and I am encouraged with each time that we are together, feeling re-charged like the Energizer bunny.  I hope that you will know that you are helping another in this church in some way through your love, generosity and caring. 

Peace to you during this time of Advent.

Todd Atwood