We covenant with the Lord and with one another and do bind ourselves in the presence of God, to walk together in all the ways which are revealed to us by God, as the Word is made known to us.
–Adapted from the Salem Church Covenant, 1629
Dear friends,
This Sunday is called Trinity Sunday, an annual consideration of our core theological beliefs. Nearly 200 years ago, the Congregational Church and Unitarian Church split in New England, where there had previously been one church established by the Puritans at Plymouth Colony 200 years previously, and they divided over the doctrine of the Trinity. These discussions have been an integral part of the Christian tradition from almost the very beginning, and though they may seem arcane or outdated, they have helped define us in the past. The important question of course is what do we believe today, conscious of our heritage. I still think it has meaning for us to consider our beliefs, and to examine how to be one community with diverse spiritual paths and convictions. Unity is not the same as conformity and I believe our strength at CC Peninsula is our diversity. Come celebrate our diversity as we worship together. Jesus prayed “that they may all be one” — but not that we all might believe the same things. Bring many Names of God with you to church this week!
Faithfully,
Pastor Jim