EXETER UNITED CHURCH
Church community. What does it mean to me?
A community can be both welcoming and shunning. My experience with our church community is one of welcoming. I grew up in this community so it’s so wonderful to connect with those who have watched me grow up. And now they are watching my daughter grow up! Knowing I was a single parent, they still welcomed both me and my daughter with open arms! Walking into the sanctuary every other Sunday (my work schedule currently prevents me from attending every week), there is always someone there to greet me and my family.
Our personal lives may not always align with what others think and feel they should, but as a church community and a community at large, we have always been welcoming. Our motto says it all. Open Arms to shake the hand of everyone who crosses our doorstep, and to hug those in need of comfort. Open Hearts to share in the good times and bad times of our journey. Open Minds to understand another’s perspective, and accept that our viewpoint might not be the only one.
Submitted by Rebekah Prout
Thank you from Jane and Rick Hundey
For our entire married life (nearing 45 years) the United Church has been there for us. Upon moving here in 1989, Exeter United filled our needs for spiritual guidance and support for our growing family. For that we are always grateful.
But now that our children have moved on, we ask what makes our Exeter church family extra special? Many things one of which is its willingness to embrace so many worthy causes. For our part, the Terry Fox Foundation is particularly dear to us. And when I asked the congregation to consider backing me as I earmarked the proceeds from my latest mystery novel to that charity, the support warmed our hearts.
Looking for kindness and generosity? It’s right here for the asking.
Welcomed In...
The concept of community is an interesting one. While we can learn something of it by seeking its definition in a dictionary, it is more clearly grasped by how we feel. That is certainly true in my case vis-a-vis Exeter in general and Exeter United Church in particular. For the 15 years before I arrived in Exeter I lived something of the life of a nomad, being in a place but not of a place. Upon arriving in Exeter I went from being a nomad to being an immigrant, that is I decided to become part of the community, and equally importantly, permit the community become part of me.
I am fortunate in having a faith community in my past. This permitted without too much stress (since I am somewhat shy...really!) to make my port of entry Exeter United Church. Since my arrival I have met many people, more than I know, since I am often greeted by name on the street and in shops by people I don't recognize. So my transition is still a work in process! In this entry, this church community has welcomed me and gave me many opportunities for service. I see that the government of Great Britain has formed a department to deal with loneliness since being socially isolated is both a social problem and a public health issue. I won't be needing such a service. I have found my own.
Submitted by Stephen Platts
A community can be both welcoming and shunning. My experience with our church community is one of welcoming. I grew up in this community so it’s so wonderful to connect with those who have watched me grow up. And now they are watching my daughter grow up! Knowing I was a single parent, they still welcomed both me and my daughter with open arms! Walking into the sanctuary every other Sunday (my work schedule currently prevents me from attending every week), there is always someone there to greet me and my family.
Our personal lives may not always align with what others think and feel they should, but as a church community and a community at large, we have always been welcoming. Our motto says it all. Open Arms to shake the hand of everyone who crosses our doorstep, and to hug those in need of comfort. Open Hearts to share in the good times and bad times of our journey. Open Minds to understand another’s perspective, and accept that our viewpoint might not be the only one.
Submitted by Rebekah Prout
Thank you from Jane and Rick Hundey
For our entire married life (nearing 45 years) the United Church has been there for us. Upon moving here in 1989, Exeter United filled our needs for spiritual guidance and support for our growing family. For that we are always grateful.
But now that our children have moved on, we ask what makes our Exeter church family extra special? Many things one of which is its willingness to embrace so many worthy causes. For our part, the Terry Fox Foundation is particularly dear to us. And when I asked the congregation to consider backing me as I earmarked the proceeds from my latest mystery novel to that charity, the support warmed our hearts.
Looking for kindness and generosity? It’s right here for the asking.
Welcomed In...
The concept of community is an interesting one. While we can learn something of it by seeking its definition in a dictionary, it is more clearly grasped by how we feel. That is certainly true in my case vis-a-vis Exeter in general and Exeter United Church in particular. For the 15 years before I arrived in Exeter I lived something of the life of a nomad, being in a place but not of a place. Upon arriving in Exeter I went from being a nomad to being an immigrant, that is I decided to become part of the community, and equally importantly, permit the community become part of me.
I am fortunate in having a faith community in my past. This permitted without too much stress (since I am somewhat shy...really!) to make my port of entry Exeter United Church. Since my arrival I have met many people, more than I know, since I am often greeted by name on the street and in shops by people I don't recognize. So my transition is still a work in process! In this entry, this church community has welcomed me and gave me many opportunities for service. I see that the government of Great Britain has formed a department to deal with loneliness since being socially isolated is both a social problem and a public health issue. I won't be needing such a service. I have found my own.
Submitted by Stephen Platts
We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!
