Thoughts from the Pastor2
2/2/2026
This week, Curran shares an email she and Cathy Webber received from Tyler Dickie, sharing the joy and community that is felt at the Play Group that gathers weekly on our campus.
Hi Cathy and Curran,
As we look to welcome more folks to the wonderful space of the West Wing, I wanted to share some appreciation I gathered from our little parent group for the space. Reading over what folks say has me shedding a little tear of joy, just over a year ago I set out to create a "third place" in that space, and reading these makes me think I've done it! I'm especially glad I've been able to support members of our own community, Jacob and Joshua, Toni and Forest, and Joan's daughter in law Sabrina and her granddaughter Maya.
We're really grateful the church is committed to finding others that will share the space easily with us - I look forward to meeting the Salaam Center folks this week!
- Tyler, West Wing Appreciation from Tuesday Morning Play Group
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“We couldn’t be more grateful for the space that has been so graciously shared with our community of parents. Not only is it a safe play space for our children to play alongside peers as they grow and learn new skills, but I can truly say that this has become a safe space for me to share the stories and woes of early parenthood. Becoming a new mother can be alienating and at times feel lonely, but what has been built within those walls of that little room has been a game changer! It has become a top priority for me to set this time aside for my son and myself, and look forward to it every week. I feel so uplifted, inspired, and supported by this incredible community that Tyler has created within this space. We truly are so very blessed!”
- Aubrey Davis
“I am deeply grateful to First Congregational Church for welcoming our playgroup and allowing us to gather and play each week. Motherhood with young children can be unexpectedly lonely, and over the past year, connecting with other mothers in the same season of life has been a true gift. Sharing conversations, recognizing the common threads in our struggles, celebrating our children’s growth, and forming friendships that extend beyond the playgroup has meant so much to me. This space has also been incredibly beneficial for our children, giving them early opportunities to share, play alongside one another, and learn together.
As someone who grew up Christian and has struggled with the way Christianity is often represented on a national level, it has been genuinely refreshing and healing to return to a church campus that so clearly embodies love, acceptance, and community for all. Thank you for allowing us to use this space to gather, grow, and connect. I am profoundly grateful for the time we’ve spent there.”
- Sarah DeSmet
“I am so thankful for meeting Tyler and the other local parents in Sonoma and for having a space where our kids can come together each week to play. What started as a simple gathering has grown into something truly special. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and spending time with our baby friends, who are all so close in age. It’s been incredibly meaningful to share and relate to what each mom/dad/parent is going through in each season of parenthood.
This community has been a light and grounding, offering both support and a comforting sense of normalcy during many transitions. Thank you for creating a place where new traditions of childhood can begin. Your playroom has become something we genuinely look forward to, and we hope it continues to be that special place for us, and other families.”
- Ellie Rouse
“As first-time parents, we were not sure how to connect with other families and find community and social exposure for our son. In short, Tyler and the play group at the church were a godsend. Tyler invited us to the play group, and that change made so many great things happen for us. We got to be with other parents and children the same age for much needed socializing. We learned and shared our experiences. We found support and a sense of community, which is not easy when you are busy raising a child and pulled in many directions. We had no idea that we would find such a great group of people for our child and ourselves. All three of us are the better for being a part of the group. Also, importantly, the church providing the space to meet has been key to the success of the group. It has allowed the church to be a meeting place for parents, children, and the larger Sonoma community. The space has provided so many benefits, and we are truly very grateful to the church for providing it. Thank you!”
- Jacob Mikow
“Reflecting on 2025 and all of the get togethers I was able to be a part of thanks to you for organizing and including me. I am truly so grateful. Motherhood would be a whole lot harder and lonelier without you and all the other moms I have been able to meet.”
- Melanie Parola
“To the church leaders, I want to thank you so much for the space that we use for playgroup on Tuesday mornings (and the occasional special gathering!). I didn’t realize until being settled in Sonoma, and regularly attending playgroup, how good it is for my soul and spirit as a mom to have a regular check in with a group of people going through the same crazy time of life as I am. It really allows the rest of my week to flow so much more smoothly and confidently. This space in particular is noteworthy, because it is not a preschool, where we would pay to drop our kids off. There are some people who come who would not be able to pay for traditional preschool, and the fact that we all stay with the kids allows us all to take a deep breath and relax together. If we were in a room that hadn’t formally been a preschool, we would have to constantly worry that the kids are going to break something or hurt themselves, but with all the age appropriate furniture and toys, it is just so easy. I can’t imagine a better place for this (support) group to meet. Also, since I personally have so many joyful childhood memories on this property, and in this space, I love bringing Forest here so regularly! I am hoping that the new tenets, whoever they are, are open to sharing with us! Thank you again, Toni”
- Toni States
“To the church staff,
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for always providing toys and a place for the children to play. Thank you very much.
My name is Misako Petersen. I came to the United States from Japan, got married, and gave birth at an older age. Before giving birth, I was very worried about whether I would be able to make friends for my child. However, I met Tyler and discovered this place, and I was able to make friends for my child.
At the same time, it has also been a place where I can meet friends with whom I can discuss parenting, and through various seasonal events, both my child and I have learned many things. For me, it is also a valuable place where my child can be exposed to authentic English. This is a very important place for my child and me.
I sincerely hope that this place will continue to be a place of solace for children and parents in the community. We will also strive to repay this kindness in some way.
Sincerely,
- Misako and Bodhi Petersen
“Being a part of this community of parents is so wonderful and fulfilling. I truly believe that having this safe and reliable space to gather with our little ones has been one of the leading reasons we’ve managed to maintain such a strong and supportive group. I look forward to taking my boys to our playgroup each week, rain or shine. Thank you for allowing us to use the room, it is such a gift”
- Lily Davis
