We Americans like to fill space. We fill it with furniture, activities, and opinions; often without thinking of the effect. In community, when attitudes block mutual understanding, the relational space gets filled with miscommunication and hurt feelings. If we paid attention to the qualities of spaces in our relating, empathy could flow, and community life would open toward new possibilities. Today’s message illustrates the gifts to congregational life offered through the grace of welcoming, trusting and affirming spaces. With intentional “spaces for mutual becoming,” relationships heal, members grow into their yearnings, and the congregation can find new zest. This doesn’t come easily. Oh, but it sure is worth trying.