Question: During these times of great division and polarization I would love some ideas on activities I can do spiritually to connect with my community. I feel like we’ve been through and are going through so much. I feel like trying to find ways to help others and support a healthy positive relationship with our community might help.  

Any ideas for me ? 

Community driven

Answer: Dear Community driven,

I think finding ways to help others is a great idea. There are many non-profits and community groups that you can volunteer and connect with in the Crescenta Valley. Among these groups, The Bailey Human Care Center or St. Luke’s Fire House teen center are places you can volunteer.  

You can volunteer time in helping others directly. You can also find opportunities to participate in activities with like-minded people. Many of our faith institutions have activities you can join and I encourage you to explore.  

Praying for others daily and connecting with others to pray for our community is also another activity that may bring you closer to your neighbor. At St. Luke’s every Friday night at 7 p.m. we ring our church bells for justice and hope during this time people can join us in praying for all those groups feeling like outcasts and reminding us all we are all God’s children. 

The Rev Guy Leemhuis 
Vicar, St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church 

Answer: Dear Community driven,

Until recently I tended to separate spirituality from the rest of my life. To me being spiritual meant to be in church or at a Bible study, hanging out with like-minded people or trying to “convert” others into my way of thinking.

As I have grown older this has changed. I have now come to realize that my spirituality is just a part of who I am. When I think of how I can connect this to the community, I must remember the central teachings of my religion: loving and caring for one another.

Sometimes this can include volunteering for agencies, such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters, PTA and other opportunities to connect with others. But to me it goes further than this.  

Right now in our world there is a lot of conflict and anger. This at times turns violent. While I know that I cannot change everything, I can do my part and the first thing I try to do is to treat everyone I meet with dignity and respect. This can include smiling and saying hello to strangers, allowing someone to merge with their car in front of me, offering assistance to someone who looks ill or is struggling.  

To me, bringing spirituality into our community begins with one smile, one good deed, at a time. 

The Rev Dina Fulgoni, Deacon 
St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church