At First Unitarian Church of South Bend, we are filled with joy and excitement as we welcome seven new members into our vibrant community! This past Sunday we had our Fall Ingathering. This is where our newest members officially sign the membership book which marks the beginning of their journey with us. Along with this wonderful moment, we also had the pleasure of hearing from each of them as they introduced themselves to the congregation. In this weeks, order of service, each one shared a bit about their story and what led them to join our spiritual home, and we couldn’t be happier to have them with us.
A special shout-out goes to the five members who are part of Gen XMZ—our group focused on Generation X, Millennials, and adult members of Gen Z. It is especially heartwarming to see these generations actively engaged in the life of our church. Their energy, perspectives, and passion for creating positive change are exactly what make our community thrive. The diversity of ages, backgrounds, and experiences in our congregation enriches us all, and we are so grateful for the new voices that these members bring.
As if the excitement of new membership wasn’t enough, we also celebrated with one of our favorite traditions: the annual Cookie Walk! This fundraiser, where people purchase homemade cookies by the pound, was a sweet success! Thanks to the hard work and generosity of our church members, we raised funds to support the continued work and outreach of our congregation. The Cookie Walk is always a fun and festive way to share in the joy of the season and indulge in some delicious homemade treats, all while supporting our church’s mission.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such an active and caring community at First Unitarian Church of South Bend. The addition of these seven new members reminds us of the power of connection, the strength of our shared values, and the beauty of welcoming new faces into our spiritual family. We are all so happy to have these amazing people among us, and we can’t wait for the many joyous times and meaningful experiences we will have together.
To our new members: welcome! We are grateful for each and every one of you and excited to journey together as we grow in love, service, and connection. Here’s to all the wonderful moments ahead!