Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

As the songwriter put it: “Love is in the air!”. Not a bad way to capture the energy and momentum of these days as we re-enter the regular year of ministry and programs here at NCPVE. In addition to all that is kicking back into gear these days in terms of our life together, we have added Listening Sessions to the mix—a time for everyone to reflect on the gift that NCPVE is in their lives, what is working and what is needed here, and some sense of what God might be calling us to moving forward. So, far, over 60 voices have been heard in small group sessions and in individual conversations! 

It's not too late to participate! As you receive this note, there are 4 Listening Sessions that remain (2 with childcare provided). Just call the church office at 310-378-9353, OR, drop Lauren (our Office and Communications Manager) a note to reserve a place! OR, simply show up—we’ll make room for you!

• Thursday evening, September 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, with desserts

• Saturday morning, September 30th, 10am-11:30am, with donuts (childcare provided)

• Sunday afternoon, October 1st, 3pm-4:30pm, with snacks (childcare provided)

• Wednesday morning, October 4th, 10am-11:30am, with donuts

One thing, so far, has been made very clear: People at NCPVE have a love for this ministry, this setting, and the people who are part of it. Now, “love” is a complicated thing as we all know and have likely experienced—it does NOT mean that there are no issues, no need for changes or additions to what we are or what we do, no room for improvement and excellence. It DOES mean that we’re in it—maybe even all the way! Love means that we want to be part of what lies ahead and are willing to be involved and engaged in shaping our future and making it even better.

So don’t let love pass you by.  Jump into one of these Listening Sessions and spend a couple hours sharing and dreaming about what God is up to here.  You have something valuable to bring to the table—your thoughts, impressions, insights, and imagination that will be coupled with others and bear fruit at The Neighborhood Church. Your voice will only add to the richness of what is being discovered.

I hope that many of you join me in being excited about what God is doing here. I, too, can sense that love is in the air. I hear you speak of it as you share stories that bring it to life. Your passion will ignite our future, and I can’t wait to see what God will be up to among us!

See you at worship, at the adult Bible Study, and at one of the Listening Sessions…

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister