On October 1, 2011, the Inclusive Community gathered in the Padovano Peace Pavilion to celebrate, as it did at the beginning of our twenty-fifth year on October 3, 2010.

Thirty-two of us, including Sherry Taylor, the UCC Associate Conference Minister New Jersey, sang and worshiped and shared a wonderful luncheon, replete with flowers and festivity. The highlight of the luncheon was the open time for testimony and comments. At the worship, Anthony delivered the homily, whose text is included in this issue of The Point. Linda Sieh gave closing remarks tracing the history of our community, her part in it as our first ordained member and rendering testimony to the vision of Anne Hess who brought it about with energy, inspiration and grace.

Wayne Ortelli wrote an enlightening and eloquent letter about who we are in the beautiful program printed for the occasion with photos and text.

There are few original members left, a healthy sign that new life has been generated and that the community has had not only a noble past but awaits a vibrant and reliable future.

We have grown over the quarter of a century in our mission, our ministry, our sense of ourselves and our gratitude to God for all that God has made possible. We planted a seed and God gave it increase. Amen