How do we embody Paying Attention?

Dear LFUU Members and Friends,

I asked myself, how do we as a congregation embody this month’s theme: Paying Attention?

My first thought was of my conversation with a visitor after the program last Sunday. She had visited large churches, and everyone left right after the program. She liked that we stayed after ours, so she got to talk with people.

                                                          ~ By paying attention to visitors.

We share Joys and Concerns at the end of each program.

                                                         ~ By paying attention to each other.

After several of us asked a recent speaker questions, she commented that we are a well-informed group.

                                            ~ By paying attention to the greater world.

Our programs usually include discussions amongst ourselves or with our speakers.

                        ~ By paying attention to others’ thoughts and ideas.

Our programming, social activities, social actions, etc. are constantly evolving.

     ~ By paying attention to the changing needs of our members.

We invest time, effort, and money in caring for our beloved building and grounds.

         ~ By paying attention to the changing needs of our physical space.

 We get to know each other better through social events, small dinners, Soup Sunday, book club, auction experiences, committee work, etc.

  ~ By paying attention to our needs for intimate connection and community.

Looking at my answers, I realized that most are necessary and possible only because we are a small, lay-led congregation. And they're why I chose to become a member of Lake Fellowship and have stayed for 36 years. I Googled what the word fellowship means:

Fellowship means deep companionship, shared life, and mutual support, going beyond casual acquaintance to a close bond based on common interests, values, or faith, often involving vulnerability, shared experiences, and partnership in goals, rooted in the Greek concept of koinonia (sharing) and translating to intimate connection and community, whether with friends, family, or a spiritual group.

By Paying Attention we create fellowship. This Fellowship.

What to you embodies how we’re Paying Attention at Lake Fellowship?

How might we become even better at Paying Attention?

Yours in Fellowship,

Laurie Gauer