Dal Norris
Hi, neighbors. I’d like to tell you a little about Friendship Center, a church community here at Robson Ranch. But let me start, please, with some context.
I haven’t always been on my walk of faith. I grew up in a church-going home, but this left me more with memories of wooden pews and vacation bible school than connection to the church. Not surprisingly, adulthood passed with no burning interest in organized religion. That is until about 25 years ago when I began perceiving curious, colorful, abstract sensations. Coincidentally, I was growing more aware of how others—friends, colleagues, rock stars, athletes, politicians—spoke of a higher power influence. It seemed things were suggesting I should re-explore spiritual connection.
I visited several churches, and found the invitation to newcomers often wrapped in expected submission to religious doctrine and dogma. Being told how to believe was not on my radar. Eventually, I came upon a welcoming house of worship that offered me the space to develop an inquiring and introspective faith. I was encouraged to ask questions, seek understanding, build church community, and foster spiritual relationships based on my own experiences. My walk of faith began in earnest, and that life changing gift remains with me to this day.
So, let me cut to the chase of this story. Retiring to Robson Ranch meant leaving behind the comfortable and familiar, and like so many others, I had to find new lifestyle resources including a church home. I checked out local churches, and found that Friendship Center was the best fit for my spiritual connection.
We’ve all navigated these replacement waters, seeking recommendations from neighbors for a medical team, barber, dentist, auto mechanic. Perhaps a house of worship remains on your unfilled resource list. If so, may I offer up the Friendship Center for your consideration. Whether a lifelong church attendee or a late comer to the faith like me, I believe you can find a welcoming home in Friendship Center’s spirit-focused, interdenominational, inclusive church family. We gather for worship—centered around scripture, prayer, sermon, music, and Communion—on Sundays at 9 a.m. either via Zoom or outdoors, masked and socially distanced, on the Ranch House East patio. Fellowship, care ministry, and community outreach are among our outside activities.
Friendship Center is a place of spiritual gathering that models to the best of human ability our vision of “Loving God, and Loving Everyone, Everywhere”. If you’d like more information about Friendship Center, feel free to contact me at 503-816-5120 or by email at [email protected], or Pastor Ron Hunt at 218-330-5306 or by email at [email protected]. The welcome mat is out!