When Love Comes Knocking-Rev. Dr. Michael Tino

Poet Nikita Gill, in a blessing of a poem for the beginning of 2026, tells us that “when love comes knocking, do not doubt it. Instead open the door with warmth and let it in.” Sometimes, love comes knocking from unexpected sources. We will experience that love and allow it to challenge us to practice our faith in deeper and more liberatory ways. The Words of Welcome from our Beloveds in Newton, Iowa: We gather, as one community with many beliefs, following many paths, all with unknown destinations. As one, we seek to be treated fairly. • Justice is possible only with love for one another. The heart in your chest pulses with life as does mine. • Equity in our humanity is the design of nature. Each step we take on our journey allows us to explore who we are. • Transformation stops only when we refuse to advance. As believers in a multitude of thought, we embrace the challenges of acceptance. • Pluralism is celebrated through respect for individuality. Through recognition of the effects of our actions we govern our words and deeds. • Interdependence allows strength in numbers with caution toward selfishness. In the spirit of unity, we vow to give as much as we receive. • Generosity is measured in thought, attention, gift and assistance. Every soul who seeks our community will be given the opportunity to become the masterpiece that nature intended. With this vow we open our hearts to the love of one another in this place.