Belongings

We’ll be there for you.

It’s one thing to see a church sign proclaiming, “All are welcome!” and another thing to spot one that points to the accessible entrance. 

It’s one thing to read on a website “Come as you are” and another to see a Pride flag in the corner of the page.

One thing to hear, “Everyone is invited” and another to actually be invited by someone you know.

It’s one thing to be tolerated. 
One thing, even, to be merely included.
But it’s another thing entirely to belong.

The places we belong are core to who we are. And our belongings shape what’s possible: thriving for individuals, households, and communities — and transformation for a world that desperately needs it. We risk losing all that possibility when we stop noticing who’s not here or asking what might be in their way.

This fall at Bethany, we’re doing a deep dive on belonging. What it looks and feels like in particular. We’re leaning on the work of Dr. Erik Carter, whose “elements of belongings” are well-known and appreciated in disability justice circles within faith communities and beyond. Elements that he’s quick to point out (and you’ll be quick to notice) apply to anyone looking for a place to belong.

Come be part of a community striving to be place of belonging. Because it’s one thing to claim “we’ll be there for you” and another to show up and help make it true.

Join us Sundays mornings at 10:30 am in the sanctuary or online!

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