The September Soul Matters theme is Invitation. As we begin a new congregational year together, I’m thinking about the invitations we offer each other, and those we offer to people beyond our congregation.

I don’t just mean literal invitations, like to attend worship together, go out for coffee or lunch, or attend a concert or play or hike together. I also mean invitations to deepen connections through book groups, casual conversations over refreshment after worship, or chatting at the vegetable stand in gardening season. I’ve seen new visitors and long-time members connect in these ways and more, extending invitations into our community, growing new relationships and strengthening existing ones.

What invitations will we extend this year, and to whom? I have lots of ideas, including some adult faith formation programming and some outreach. I welcome your input too—what do you dream that we might offer at UUFM, for those already here and those seeking spirituality and connection?