How might our vision for the future be shaped by those who don’t yet feel they belong?
Creating community in our liberal faith tradition calls us to be intentional, not only in welcoming those who are here, but in asking who's not here, and why.
Some people visit, linger a bit, and then quietly drift away. That’s a natural part of life. But if we’re serious about being a welcoming community, we must ask: what might they have needed that we didn’t provide? And what might they have shared that would have enriched us?
Belonging isn’t just about comfort; it’s about the relational space we shape together—how we interact, connect, and grow as a community. So maybe the deeper question is: who are we making space for in our shared life? Are we here to be with people who are just like us, or are we here to grow and learn from new voices, new ideas, and new ways of being together?
For example, how might we enrich our welcome for those who long to connect faith with action, and who seek a community that will show up in the world with them? Many people find their way to Peoples through a passion for social justice. That’s a rich invitation to reflect on how our commitments shape our welcome.
Where else in our church life—worship, learning, or caregiving—might different voices and fresh approaches open new pathways for participation? What questions should we be asking ourselves so we can identify the folks we most want to reach?
Belonging is a gift we can commit to sharing widely, with intention and purpose. What kind of a church might we become if we let that commitment guide how we welcome, connect, and grow together?
Let’s keep imagining what belonging could become.
by Robyn Miessler-Kubanek, Board President
What responsibilities come with belonging to a community like ours, and how do we support one another in living them out?
Creating community in our liberal faith tradition calls us to be intentional—not only in how we gather, but in how we show up for one another.
Belonging isn't passive; it's a practice of paying attention to the needs of others and the whole community alongside our own. It requires listening with care, speaking with thoughtfulness, and trusting in one another's good intentions.
Our Covenant of Right Relations reminds us that community is nurtured through small acts of connection—in how we speak, listen, and respond to one another. Within our walls, this connection invites us into shared ministry rooted in mutual care. Beyond our walls, it calls us to live our values out loud in service of the world we hope to build.
In both settings, we're asked to show up, to offer our time and talents, and to support one another in our spiritual growth.
So what might it look like to gently encourage one another to stretch into roles or practices that may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable at first—like joining a team, speaking up in a meeting, or offering a hand in a new role? How might we create a culture where we recognize invitation as a form of love?
Belonging is a gift, but also a call to live out our promises and support each other in doing the same. When we choose to participate with intention, we help shape a community rooted in care, courage, and commitment where we all can feel at home.
Let's keep imagining what it means to show up for Peoples Church.
by Robyn Miessler-Kubanek, Board President