From Sacred Listening to Shared Practice: We Heard One Another

As we gather again for a new church year, September's theme of Interdependence reminds us that we create Peoples Church through our relationships with one another.

In 2025, 52 members and friends took part in Sacred Conversations: one-to-one conversations about what brought us to Peoples, what we value here, and what we hope for our future. People spoke of deeper relationships and care; faith formation for all ages; intergenerational connection; meaningful spiritual exploration; a welcoming and growing congregation; active justice work; and leadership, finances, and facilities that can sustain Peoples into the future.

These were not votes or a finished plan; they were vulnerable hopes and honest concerns that offer a clearer picture of who we are and who we hope to become together. Interdependence means that none of these hopes belongs only to the Board, staff, a committee, or the familiar small group of people who already carry much of the work. These hopes are connected, and they depend on all of us to become real.

We have an opportunity to practice that interdependence as we experiment with a new multigenerational first-hour experience before worship. Its success depends on people of all ages choosing to learn, connect, and build relationships together, which is exactly the kind of intergenerational community many participants hoped for. Whether you are new to Peoples or have been here for years, there is a place for you in that work.

One question emerging from Sacred Conversations is this: Where do we each see ourselves building the community we hope Peoples will become? Participation can mean showing up, learning, welcoming, sharing a gift, offering care, helping once, organizing, or leading.

The next phase begins not with a finished program, but with all of us discovering what is possible when we commit to bringing that future to life. Together.

Want to help create the Sacred Listening Next Steps? Contact Robyn @ 319-594-3458.