As we gather for our homecoming service to start our new church year, let us explore the notions of invitation and home. The Soul Matters guide counsels us to “create a clearing, listen for your song, and let it teach you how to give yourself to this world… notice that it all begins with invitation, with the deep humility and knowledge that the song is deeply ours; it also comes from something or somewhere beyond ourselves. It takes time, but eventually we each come to realize that – to be whole and to find home – a space must be made, a clearing must be created, and otherness must be invited in.” Yet, we start with an invitation – an invitation to come home to this place, this community, this sanctuary of people and space; an invitation to gather with friends and family as we individually and collectively create the clearing and listen for our song(s). As we gather to recreate our community, remember to bring with you the waters of your travels. Welcome home.