Last week I wrote that I’m enrolled in a class this year for UU ministers serving congregations in transition.  I shared an insight from that class having to do with the danger of viewing individuals or communities through a single story.  (If you missed that message and want to read it, I post all of my messages and my sermon manuscripts, too, on my personal website:  rhmcd.com).

Here’s another insight I’m learning.  We’ve been talking about how our congregation can better extend a hearty and heartfelt and true welcome to all kinds of people who come through our door.  What people are looking for from a spiritual community, and what is so rare these days in our fractured, isolated, social lives, is a true sense of belonging.  We want to belong.  But what does it mean to belong?

Sociologists have identified four components of belonging.  To belong in a community we need to feel we are seen.  Belonging means we are connected to others.  Belonging means we are supported by the community.  And belonging means we are proud of our community.  Seen.  Connected.  Supported.  Proud.

I hope that in our welcoming we will do more than just extend an invitation, but that we will strive to create a sense of belonging for everyone who seeks to join our community.