The following message was written by Leslie Shaip for in-person worship on Oct. 24:
Hey, everyone. I’m Leslie, and I’m a new member here at CUCC. Like many folks of my generation, I find out most things through Google searches, which is how I found the church.
I hadn’t been to church regularly since childhood but had studied the Bible solo off and on over the years, never really reconciling my overall beliefs with the teachings I was raised on.
But, over the last year or so, I found several, progressive teachers through books and podcasts who helped me renew my faith. I figured maybe it was time to find a faith community and stop doing it completely on my own, but it would have to be the right one.
So, I Googled progressive churches in the area, did some digging on my values and beliefs, and it turned out that CUCC ticked all the boxes that I was looking for. I started attending Zoom worship before we returned in person, which was great for my social anxiety, and when I started attending in person, everyone was super welcoming and kind.
So far, I’ve joined weekly Bible Study and am starting to get involved with the Youth. I’m excited to be a member and be involved in the work that CUCC is doing to be the body of Christ in the world.
Thank you.