Celebrating New Members
August 24, 2025
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On August 24th, KPC celebrated all the new members that have joined our church and welcomed them with a New Member Welcome Celebration. Over 30 people--new members, existing members, and friends--joined together to celebrate those who've committed to KPC membership in the past year (or so). Not only did we cover how KPC operates (Session, committees, etc.), but we also shared, and from a very deep place, individual stories of how we've all come to KPC. These stories touched and inspired all who listened, binding us deeper into community. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Blessing of the Backpacks
August 17, 2025
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On August 17th, our service included the Blessing of the Backpacks. Our backpack keychain is a tree and the word "family". A good representation of what we have at KPC.
Like trees, we have deep roots, ours are rooted in faith and tradition.
We stand side-by-side with each other.
We branch out into the world.
Like trees, we bend and sometimes break but we know we can dig deep in the faithful presence of God and emerge again.
We offered a blessing for the children, the wonderful collection of school supplies contributed by the congregation and to those who will receive them.
Our family of faith is committed to love and nurture all our littles-we can't wait to see what they do this year!
Perfecta Trifecta!
June, 2025
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On June 15, KPC celebrated three worthy events: Father's Day, Juneteenth, and Pastor Allen Smith's birthday!
Proving that a father's worth had little to do with amount of hair, style of clothing, or frisbee-throwing ability, Pastor Allen led us to understand the simplicity in the answer to the question, "What makes a good father?" Love.
Congregational Care Leader, Tina Joyner, provided an excellent sermon on "Juneteenth," a perfect combination of history and inspiration. A board in the sanctuary was decorated with all-things Juneteenth, and all snacks celebrated the holiday (cakes, red food/drink, watermelon, and then some!).
And to Pastor Allen, we expressed our appreciation to him for all that he does to hold and lead this congregation. We're sure glad he was born!​
Celebrating Lent at KPC
April, 2025
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"From ashes you have come, and to ashes you shall return"--thus began our Easter journey, starting with Ash Wednesday, followed by six weeks of Lenten contemplation. Anticipation marked the moments leading to Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper and the ultimate betrayal. With somberness we "witnessed" the Crucifixion, Good Friday. Then, three days later, we celebrated, blessed Easter, the Resurrection and Life Eternal. ​
KPC embraced all steps of the Easter story, culminating in celebration on Easter Sunday. Our day together began with a "Son Rise" service in the Memorial Garden, followed by a most delicious and abundant pot-luck brunch. Holding true to our own "traditions of celebration," we then shared "beach ball worship" which included a dozen beach balls whizzing and whirring through the sanctuary. Soft (and loud) POPS!, and lots of laughter, were heard as all hands kept the balls moving. Pastor Allen made sure that ALL had touched the ball, symbolic of the radical inclusiveness of God's Love.
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This year, we were in for an additional treat: handfuls of confetti accompanying cascarones, or confetti-filled egg shells! As we threw the confetti high, low, and in-between, and broke our cascarones (or saved them for later), we were encouraged to celebrate this beautiful moment in time that allowed us to feel God's Love shared among all in our church family and beyond.
As we sang "Here Comes the Sun[Son]" a la George Harrison, we were feeling--and seeing in each other--the beauty of Easter.
The clean-up was another story--but the joy we shared on Easter morning was worth it!
Spring Renewal and the Many Hands
March, 2025
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It was a lovely day, the cool winds of spring and all-day sun, when KPC hosted its annual grounds maintenance day on Saturday, March 22. With a record turnout, members and neighbors wheelbarrowed, raked, mulched, planted, pruned, and removed lots of debris from the KPC grounds. KPC aims to keep grounds and building finely tuned not only for its members, but also for the beautiful neighborhood of Kenilworth where KPC has had its home since 1948.​
The church was gifted to have support on this work day not only from congregants but also from neighbors who are not official members. Remembering the church’s role during hurricane Helene as well as neighborhood-wide events like the kids’ Easter egg hunt on the lawn, our Solstice Labyrinth Walk, cookies and carols at Christmas—to name but a few—neighbors seem to possess genuine and kind caring for KPC. That the church is considered by friends and neighbors to be a valuable piece of the neighborhood could not make folks at KPC happier. Together, everyone makes KPC the church that it is, the “church on the hill” that tries to walk the talk of its motto, “All are welcome here!”
A BIG THANKS!! to ALL who participated in our maintenance day, a day where everyone made the church—and a little piece of the world—a better place.