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Pastor's Letter


Dear Community UCC Members and Friends,

I continue to be amazed at in the incredible influence a church the size of CUCC has in our local community. You show up when others stay home: when it’s too cold, when it's raining, when the stakes are too high. You continue to shine your light in this community even while the shadows of injustice cast their ugly stares. 

As a church we are refining what it means to participate in building the beloved community; one prayer circle, one march for justice, one community brunch, one bittersweet memorial service at a time. 

In my 2018 Annual Pastor's Report I reflected on the past year, as well as shared a glimpse of what I see in our present-future: 

It has been remarkable to see the growth in vitality and enthusiasm that so many have for our shared ministry while also noting and feeling the lull of excitement and energy by those for whom this is one more year of many in service to the church and the greater community. It is time for Community UCC to decide to believe as much in our future as we do in our past. I am thankful for the steady and faithful leadership of our Moderator, Grady McCallie, and past and elect Moderators, Jane Smith and Ellen Beidler, and for our leaders in Stewardship, Jason Myers and Bill Lamb in whom I have complete trust. It will be under the leadership of the next Moderating and Stewardship Teams that CUCC adopts a strategic plan outlining the mission initiatives for the short and long term life of our congregation. I believe that in establishing an innovative mission agenda, a robust planned-giving program, and a marketing and outreach strategy we will continue to be a transformative congregation for an ever-emerging 21st Century culture, in Raleigh, in North Carolina, and across this country. 

One of the most honest and thoughtful leaders of this nation reminds us of the call before us, saying,
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ― Barack Obama

Spirit is leading the way,

Jenny Shultz-Thomas