Houses of Belonging

Richard Neutra designed houses of belonging. I learned that other week reading this article. The homes that Neutra designed in Southern California rest easily in the landscapes where they are situated. They porously blend into the hills and woods. A part of their surroundings, shaping and shaped by them. 

The article features a few individuals who have lived in Neutra homes for decades. People who worked with the architect as clients and have remained in his homes all these years.  These homes are their's and they belong to these spaces. Alongside Neutra they have shaped and have now been shaped by them. 

This coming Sunday we’re hosting the COTC Essentials class. In addition to being an introduction to the beliefs, story, values and vision of the church this class also serves as a step toward formal membership at the church. Membership is a reflection of belonging. It is an expression of being “at home” in this particular community. Like those living in a Neutra home being a member of a community is about both belonging to and being shaped by the broader community, and also contributing to its shape and quality. We both shape and are shaped by the communities to which we belong. 

If you’re interested in participating in the class be sure to let us know. Beyond that, if you are a part of the COTC community know that you are part of what God is doing here. By God’s grace, you are shaping and contributing to our common life. He is the architect. By the power of His Spirit we are being built up as a house of belonging. 

In Christ, 

Peter+ 

Ps. If you missed our Lunch and Learn on the Book of Common Prayer the other week and would like to catch up, you can check out a recording here and see the handout from it here. Join us on Wednesdays at noon for midday prayer from the BCP here.