Minister’s Musings

by Rev. Julie Lombard

Belonging is our worship theme for August. What comes to mind when you think of belonging? What does your theology lead you to believe? Who is included? Who is not? What does this say about what we value?

Vulnerability Researcher, Brene Brown says, “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world.” She expands that thought by saying. “Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. Because this yearning is so primal, we often try to acquire it by fitting in and by seeking approval, which are not only hollow substitutes for belonging, but often barriers to it. Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”

So, what is this primal yearning for you? Do you seek to fit in or seek approval from others? Are these acts helping our hurting you and others around you? How would you know one way or the other? How do you know when you belong?

Church offers us a faith community to belong to and The United Church of Northfield honors that we have religious freedom. That means we have the freedom to believe or doubt, to thrive or struggle with our faith. We are proof that we do not have to believe alike to love alike… this reminds me of the saying “we need not think alike to love alike.” Sometimes this quote is given credit to Francis David, but I’ve also seen it accredited to John Wesley. What most matters is not who said it, but whether we live by it in here.

Does belonging to a denomination bring us closer together or separate us? How does belonging to this church strengthen you? Do you care if you belong? Does this holy place allow you to bring your whole self here? Are there things you wish you could say, but can’t? Does your faith build barriers from bad things? Have faith that God will give all the love you will ever need, no questions asked. God desires that we bring our imperfections and they will not be used as weapons against us. In this house of God love abides and true belonging makes the impossible possible.

Mark your calendars for a Family Ministry Concert on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 7pm in the United Church of Northfield Sanctuary as we warmly welcome guest musician, Amy Conley to fill our spirits with the love of music. Amy has been a performer and teacher of music for over 30 years & she has played in a variety of settings. Her programs always involve singing, several instruments & fun!  https://amyconleymusic.com/index.aspx  We hope you join us. You belong here!