By Deacon Jessica Noonan (she/her), Acting Executive Director at LEAD 

This past month, I have had the privilege of preaching at two memorial services. Being a deacon (or pastor), you have the great honor of walking with people during some of the most holy moments in life, and death.  

Last Sunday was the memorial service for my dear friend’s mom. About 20 family and close friends gathered to celebrate Sally. At one point, the family shared their core memories brought so much laughter and some tears too. I was in awe of the life she lived! She grew up with a faith that anchored who she was in every part of her life as child, friend, mother, wife, grandma, teacher and advocate. 

What is our legacy? What will people remember about not only what we did but who we were as humans in this world? Just like us, our congregations are faith communities that have life cycles – birth, life, death. What legacy will our congregations have? Will people around our buildings remember… 

• The good we did?  

• The way we welcome and valued people?  

• Cared for those hurting in our world?  

• Spoke out against injustice?  

• Took action to heal our broken world? 

God, I pray this is the legacy of my faith community and yours too. 

If you are concerned about the legacy of your congregation, it’s not too late. There is still time to pivot. You can share the money you are holding onto. You can share the empty space of your buildings with care groups. You can love your neighbors. 

We know that congregations that are rooted in their neighborhoods, open to new relationships, curious about others and willing to experiment also discover that the Holy Spirit is moving! She reveals ways for a congregation to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community and world.  

Are you ready for this work? Your congregation is invited to join our first Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort to help you begin this holy work. Gather a team from your faith community because the cohort starts in September. Learn more and register here!