Below is a sampling of faith practices that express our values at Blooming Glen.

Worshiping God: Morning Worship Service
We gather every Sunday morning to sing, pray and study scripture together. Worship is a central part of our life as a church.

"In its purest moments, worship pulls us out of busy, finite human time to meet in God’s eternal time. Then, church truly seems “a foretaste of glory divine”—a place where I can leave worries of the week behind (or put them in a new perspective), sit quietly and thoughtfully as the sanctuary is bathed in Sunday morning light, hear the beautiful music our congregation makes, and greet friends new and old, as we seek to be enlightened by spiritual truths together. It’s what I want to believe heaven will be like (and I will get there on time, because it will be according to God’s time!)."

Growing Faith: Sunday School
Following each week's morning worship service children, youth, and adults meet in smaller groups for fellowship, support, and to study the Bible.

"As I read God’s word I find myself wondering what it would be like to be right in the middle of the story in front of me. That’s when God’s spirit seems to get tangled up in my own imagination and the stories become the living word which needs to be shared, so I teach."

Building Community: Pastoral Visitors
Those who experience illness, death of a loved one, or other life-changing events are supported through an extensive network of care.

“Being a pastoral visitor, I have had the opportunity to spend time with members and learn more about their lives and their family. My life has been blessed and enriched by this opportunity to spend time with people in their time of need and to offer a prayer, hold their hand or listen. I often feel like I'm sitting at the feet of Jesus.”

Making Peace: First Harvest Project
Tending the earth is part of our holistic approach to peacemaking, embodied in the First Harvest Project. Seeds are planted and crops are harvested with proceeds given to promote peace in our country and throughout the world.

"God has given us many gifts. Being able to share those gifts locally as well as with our sisters and brothers around the world, while at the same time learning about farming from the planting to harvesting, is what I love about the First Harvest Project."

Reaching Out: Refugee Resettlement
It takes the whole congregation to help refugee families find employment, housing, learn the language, and build a new life here in the U.S. This ministry is life changing for all those involved–givers and receivers alike.

"It is wonderful to watch them write new life stories in the U.S. and for me to become part of that narrative by celebrating with them at marriages, graduations, and other milestones. They have also deeply affected my own life story through sharing their struggles and triumphs and teaching me their history and traditions as they make a new home here."