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Dearly Beloved,

Will there be Pastor Mike’s tomato sandwiches? Or Aunt Betty’s scalloped potatoes? Clark’s chicken and rice casserole? Sandra’s lasagna? Ryan’s sushi? Amelia’s seven-layer salad? Emma’s tiramisu? Costco’s tuxedo cake?

By now, your mouth may be watering, and your brain may be wondering. The way to satisfy your appetite and curiosity is to join us for the potluck and town hall on Sunday at 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall. The menu will be whatever you and others bring. You may be confident there will be plenty of tasty options.

The food is only one aspect of what we hope will be a wonderful evening. Better than the menu will be the people. Just as Jesus often ate with others, so we want to break bread together. Sharing a meal is a great way to get to know people, to discover others’ joys and concerns, and to hear their hearts. We will have fun and join others in celebrating their blessings and carrying their burdens. Through being together, eating with one another, and sharing our hearts, we grow in community. Our lives, and others, are enriched.

The third part of our evening will be the Town Hall. According to AI, “The modern town hall meeting originated in 17th-century New England, where colonists held public forums in central meeting houses to discuss and decide on local matters.” 

We use the “town hall” as an informal opportunity to share plans and provide for discussion. We believe God is on the move. Exciting things are happening in the Comox Valley and through CPC. People are coming to Jesus and taking faith steps. This is a time to hear from one another as we participate in Jesus’ mission.

At this year's town hall, we will present some updates as well as speak to:

  • How do we manage ongoing growth?
  • What does 2026 hold?
  • What will we begin doing for our building in 2026?

And, we'd love your feedback and reflections on some key discussion questions. Plus, as always, we'll open the floor for Q&A. 

One of the lessons we have heard from Leviticus, and will hear again, is that God has made us all to be priests. Priests don’t just show up once a week. Priests are active in ministry. Please come to the town hall. We want to hear from you, and have you hear from others. God wants to work through every priest, including you.

I hope by now you want to come for the food, the fellowship, and to engage in Jesus’ ministry through CPC. Your next steps are to register through the link below and then bring a dish to share on Sunday.

For several weeks in this column, Mike teased us with enticing descriptions of his tomatoes, and even Laura, while not conceding Mike grew better tomatoes, acknowledged his sandwich was the best she ever tasted. So I am wondering if he will bring his sandwiches, or just what I will find on the table on Sunday evening. I will come and find out, and I hope you will too. See you Sunday. 

P.S. Please read Leviticus chapters 21 and 22 before Sunday.