August 4, 2016
Say “Cheese!”
Here are four good reasons why I am having my picture taken for the church’s new directory, and why I hope you’ll do the same.
1. It’s an easy way for you to help build community. Your picture in the congregational directory helps everyone to learn names and make connections. It’s especially useful for newcomers (especially me!) trying to navigate their way through a sea of new faces, and for long time members who want to identify and get to know the new folks.
2. It’s a powerful act of solidarity, a way of claiming and being claimed by this community. The appearance of your photos says to others in the church, and to those who are looking at us from outside, “Yes, I belong here, and I am a part of the mission and ministry of this church.”
3. Every once in a while, you should have a nice photo made to share with the people who love you, a picture that will be cherished by those who don’t get to see you every day. Capture an image of this moment in your life with your spouse or partner, with your pet(s), with kids who are growing up fast and may be moving away before long.
4. We’re doing this in the later summer and early fall. You’ve been outside, probably exercising more, probably eating better. You look good! This is the best time of year to have your picture taken!
I’ll be hanging around the church for most of the photo sessions, hoping to see you.
The Rev. David Pattee, senior pastor