It seems like so long ago that we started this process of visioning for our church with all the congregational meetings about our "Bedrock Beliefs" and "Our Core Values". It wasn't and isn't an easy process or one that can be rushed and out of that work came the list of values that we print on our newsletter and bulletin each week. Also out of that work came the idea of "An Open House" as the primary theme of the church. All this is still a very visible part of our everyday life but there were two very creative outlets that came from the process as well from 2 very talented members of our congregation (although one has since moved). Mark Graham wrote a gorgeous song and Tym David did an artist rendering by entitled "Here All Are Welcome". Mark performed the song and Tym left a pencil rendering that was displayed in the Narthex. Just before Tym, Tasha and Jared moved to Madison, Alabama; I asked Tym about the drawing and what the plans had been for doing more with the rendering. We talked about many possibilities and finalized the idea for a banner.

The banner arrived at the church about 3 weeks ago and is beyond what I imagined it to be. Tym displays through the banner such a talent and a love for God, the church and the art. The colors are so very vivid and the large hands remind us that it isn't about us and who we will welcome but that it is God's church and all are welcome.

I am thankful that we have such talented members of our church family who are willing to share their talents with us. The banner is just one representation of all the talents that are shared here. May it remind us of what we are undertaking to make everyone feel welcome here. Oh and say a prayer of thanksgiving for Tym, Tasha and Jared who still love us long distance. (We love them long distance, too!!!)