According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word summer comes from the Old English sumor, which itself traces back to the Proto-Germanic sumra. Similar versions appear in Dutch (zomer) and German (Sommer), with the root stretching to the Proto-Indo-European sam- or sem-, meaning "together" or "one." How fitting that the very word for this season is tied to ideas of unity, gathering, and shared experience.
Read MoreThe Synod’s Discernment and Visioning Teams gathered July 21–22 for a pivotal two-day meeting focused on deepening alignment around the evolving vision of the Synod. Building on over a year of prayerful work, community conversations, and collaborative discernment, the teams came together to finalize pillar recommendations and chart the path toward implementation. This meeting marked one of the final steps before releasing a comprehensive report that will guide the Synod’s next chapter.
Read MoreThe Matthew 25 Initiative reminds us that the heart of the gospel is not found only in words, but in action—in how we live, how we love, and how we serve. New Mercy Community Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, embodies this calling powerfully through its beloved ministry: Community Love Day. This vibrant, grassroots outreach aligns beautifully with all three focus areas of the Matthew 25 Initiative: Building Congregational Vitality, Dismantling Structural Racism, and Eradicating Systemic Poverty.
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