Padre’s Ponderings: Creating a Community of Belonging
Autumn is in the air, and the beauty of the season is all around us. As the weather cools, we naturally seek warmth and coziness—whether that means wrapping up in a favorite hoodie or watching the days shorten. Yet, along with the desire to gather around physical warmth comes a much deeper human need: the need for community and a true sense of belonging.
Here at St. John’s, our core values are inclusion, belonging, justice, and practicing our faith. St. John’s has a rich history of helping people feel genuinely included, and I know that steadfast commitment remains alive today.
Our parish is a sanctuary—a safe space for all God’s people to experience the abundant love and life of Christ. I deeply cherish the reality that we welcome individuals from all diverse backgrounds and life situations.
While the world changes rapidly around us, St. John’s is evolving, too. Greg Isaacs is leading the charge on several deferred building projects, and I am eternally grateful for his time and talent. Our RenewalWorks team is asking us to fill out a spiritual life inventory to help us assess where we are and learn how to deepen our walk with Jesus. Meanwhile, our Invite Welcome Connect team will soon offer innovative ways for us to be the invitational, welcoming, and connective body of Christ. Finally, the CICADA Center is serving more clients than ever and expanding its weekday office hours to advance reproductive justice.
Yes, there are plenty of changes in the life of St. John’s Episcopal Church. But what remains steadfast is our desire to be a place where all belong. What remains is our commitment to including everyone. What remains is our heart for justice. And what remains, above all, is authenticity in practicing our faith together.
St. John’s, this is hard work and holy ministry, and it is entirely worth it. We need God to root us in faith, justice, inclusivity, and belonging, but we also need your hands and hearts. I challenge you this month to reach out to one person in our parish or the broader Charleston area whom you haven’t spoken with recently. Have a conversation about belonging. Ensure they know that amid the upheavals of our world and the physical construction inside our church building, they have a place and a people right here.
Belonging is more than a concept; it is connection and community. Our Charleston community is hurting, with many facing cold and uncertainty this winter; let's launch a coat drive to keep our neighbors safe and warm. Please bring a coat to church to share with St. Mark’s Methodist Feeding Ministry. The need is great, and many of us have more than enough to share. Together, we can make a tangible difference this autumn as we co-create a community of intentional belonging. Will you join me?
In God’s Grace,
Eric L. Miller+
