Tug of War
Dear Church,
As I look forward to the season change, I am reminded of my weariness to changes in life. I notice a deep urgency for the long summer sun to warm the ground and everything attached. While at the same time, within me grows resistance to my aging body, changing without my permission.
How can I long for change, and resist it at the same time?
In this dualistic drama, my mind plays a tug of war over the conditions in my life. One side pulls towards comfort and reliability, anchoring itself on all things known, planned, and organized. The other side pulls towards change and metamorphosis, anchored on adventure, awe, and the unknown.
I believe our shared human experience is the rope. We experience the full range of thoughts and emotions giving attention and action as needed. We share with each other the desires and fears being pulled over in our minds. And, we encourage, celebrate, and grieve over the results of life’s transformations.
We are connected to each other, and to the earth because we change.
Over the next few months, Neighborhood Church will change again. We will pack up and say our goodbyes to the Hub in Cloquet. It was our connecting place for seven years, linking our past and providing security for a post-pandemic church.
On Sunday, April 30, we will have service and share memories for the last time at the Hub in Cloquet. On Sunday, May 14, we will have service at our new location in Riverside.
While we may feel nervous, excited, and concerned about this change, I encourage you to find space to process what this change means to you, for you, and for the church. Buildings hold significance because they shelter us. If you have a memorable experience from your time at Neighborhood at the Hub and would like to share it, you can email me. I would love to hear your stories!
Spring is coming and all kinds of new life with it.
With hope,
Nikki Sauter
[email protected]
A NOTE ABOUT INCLUSION FOR ALL:
We take great pride in being a fully inclusive community. When we say we’re inclusive and all people are welcome to this good and beautiful community, we want to confidently use the word ALL. Westminster has automatic doors, accessible bathrooms, and an elevator so all people can access all parts of the building. This creates even more opportunities for people to find belonging at Neighborhood. And while our new space will be much more accessible, we know that we may not be aware of all accommodations needed for folks who would like to join our community. With that said, if there are any ways that our church can be more accommodating to you or a loved one we’d love to hear from you!
Please email us at [email protected] with suggestions or ideas to create the most welcoming and accessible space possible!
