One week ago I was able to get with a bunch of newbies here at Community for our First Step Dinner. It was a great time.

Here’s a few things I love about this gathering:

The variety of backgrounds. It’s always interesting to see the different paths people have been on before they find us at Community. I always ask the primary church background people have had growing up, if any. This time “Catholic” was the most common answer with “none” coming in second, with just about everything else following.

The hunger for connection. So often the stories told by those attending First Step are stories of broken connection with any church. They are thrilled to find a church that accepts and loves them just as they are. They are excited to find a family that will help them grow. They’ve already learned…they can’t do it on their own.

The excitement to be a part of something special. We all want to be on a winning team. We long to make a difference. There seems to be a clear anticipation, as I talk to people, that they believe Community is the kind of place where they can be a part of a Difference Maker in our Valley.

I do love this First Step Dinner. And I can’t wait for the next one!

Our next First Step will be in a few months. We’ll let you know as it gets closer.