Pentecost Sunday is June 8, the day is often referred to as the “birthday of the church.” When I think about church, as ordained clergy it still remains a rush to baptize a baby, officiate a wedding, to journey beside another in the soars and stumbles of life, to write and deliver a sermon, to show up in the community as pastor and evidence support. Those are some of the experiences of ordained clergy, yet, there is so much more…a whole lot more that is church.
The best way to define church is in the empathy and actions of compassion I have the honor to observe and be thankful —- without a second thought offering to get groceries for someone; listening to the story of another without eye-rolls or phone checks…just being totally present and listening with focused attention; folks filling in the gaps and getting the work needing done, completed; believing there is still ministry in us and leaping into the possibility trusting to soar or land on solid ground.
I have had the gift to watch these witnesses. I am blessed. We are blessed. Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community ….we ARE the church in name and most importantly in how we love each other. | 
