I was struck by last week’s front page of the Northern Forecaster. At once I saw people approaching our church in one story. Right beside it was the picture of a friend who attends that same church. As we celebrate our 225th anniversary in Cumberland these two stories typify the community of faith that worships there.

Two weeks ago now we quickly had to make a shift from a vigil of hope to a service of comfort for Kristin Westra’s family, who is part of our family. We are still in shock and share the grief of so many. In the other story, over 20 years ago we welcomed Gene Weir back into our family. Gene recognizes the serious nature of the crime for which he went to prison. When released Gene came back home to join his mother on the family farm. He has earned the trust of our church family, even to the point of employing him on occasion.

Our church constantly struggles to reflect God’s grace in our actions. We strive to serve the community at large. We are an open and affirming community following the congregational path to peace, grace, and joy. Sharing and striving to these goals is always a challenge. Your story choice on last week’s front page reflects the diversity and the difficulty of our labor. Thank you for sharing our story into our 226th year.

Richard Klain
Falmouth


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