As you can see from the word cloud above, one of the values most of us hold most dear is “community.” Community can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but as we listened to one another a group of words rose to the surface. For us, community is about growing and reaching out. It’s about being involved in diverse relationships of mutual support as we join in God’s mission: spreading love and peace. We try embody this kind of community in our Prism Groups.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”

Jesus also said to those who follow him, “You are the light of the world.”

We believe that the prism best captures how these two ideas come together. As the light of Christ enters the church, it becomes visible as God’s people, in all of their colorful and cultural variety, go out into the world together. The image shows us that all of us are included in Christ. And, just as importantly, we won’t get to see the fullness of Christ’s light in the world unless we join together. This is why we feel it is important to be involved in diverse relationships. And, this is what we’re striving for in our two small groups: Growth and Outreach.

GROWTH: This Prism Group focuses on ways that we can grow in faith and in life. They oversee, plan, and imagine creative additions to our weekly worship service and special services throughout the year. They also explore new ways to support one another in our spiritual lives. For example, they’re designing a labyrinth that people in the congregation and the community can use to help them along their journey with Jesus.

OUTREACH: This Prism Group focuses on ways that we can make a difference in the community around us. They oversee and distribute the Hand 2 Hand Fund which we collect to help people through tough times or in emergencies. They also explore ways that we can improve the quality of life for all people on the island. For example, they go out regularly to pick up litter to protect the environment and the people who live in it.

PRISM PICNIC: Whether your part of one of these groups or not, you’re invited to join with others for a picnic on the 2nd Saturday of every month. We meet so that we can get to know one another and plan together. It’s a laid back affair up on the hill in Estate LaReine. There may be corn hole. We might build a fire. If you’re lucky, someone will bring smores! Bring a dish to pass, but there is always enough to share even if you can’t.