Welcome to summer, Evergreen!

To say this has been an active spring for all of us seems like such an understatement! We’ve experienced myriad events unfolding throughout our communities and world; myriad issues calling us to “show up,” infusing our Sunday morning worship with soul-centering conversations. As this month’s highly engaged Pride outreach and advocacy draws to a close, my heart is full of pride for all the ways you chose to contribute to Evergreen’s livelihood this church year. I invite you to pause for a moment and let your own pride hold space within you, because it’s your loving presence, your concerned voice, your listening with care that’s helped transform a bit of beloved community here in Everett for the better.

Looking ahead, our Sunday services will remain in the main hall at the Carl Gipson Center all summer long. I’ve lined up a diverse roster of guest speakers alongside preachings to help bring us into fresh conversations together. Religious Exploration will switch into summer mode with JW (and volunteers, please) guiding our youth and families in some all-ages games on the grand patio outside. And Diane will continue infusing our Sunday mornings with her gorgeous musical inventions all summer long. 

Finally beloveds, as we on staff wrap up the church year and rotate through some summer breaks and family vacations of our own, I hope you and yours are able to do the same. I encourage you to claim time and space for your own sense of well-being in this blessedly green, fragrant and light-filled season. Perhaps you’ll savor a front-porch chat with a neighbor, or fire up the grill for an impromptu feast, or maybe, just maybe, wander leisurely on a shady forest path for hours on end. I know that’s where I’ll be.

We’re looking forward to seeing you whenever you like, friends, to share wonders in one another’s company. Here’s to the longest days, the most colorful skies, and a summer adventure in faith together.  

Looking forward, warmly,  

Rev. Joe (he/him)