Dear Church,
I have been immersed in reflection this week on the past year of our shared ministry. May is “report and evaluation season” in church land–my evaluation, staff evaluations, the Board’s developmental ministry evaluation, and of course… annual reports! It’s a lot of thinking and remembering and writing, but I appreciate the opportunity to journey back to where we have been and dream about where we might go. Together we tell the story of this church. In my reflections I have been struck by the intensity of this year and how often we came together and rose up in love for one another, our community, and life itself in the face of the profound pain and challenge and hatred of these times. I am more proud than I have ever been to be a Unitarian Universalist. I hope you feel proud, too.
Tomorrow night, we have an opportunity to once again come together and rise up. The group of multifaith organizers I work alongside are hosting Love is the Point – a gathering happening at the same time as the Turning Point USA event at the expo center. We’ll have performances by local artists, blessings from faith leaders of various traditions (myself included), and an overall vibe of inclusivity and liberatory love. You can register to attend (it’s a free event but registration helps for planning) here.
On Sunday, we come together to celebrate community and in particular what it means to grow a community. The much-loved annual RE service will include reflections from our children, a slideshow, and a child dedication ritual. I hope you’ll join us!
After worship just about every room in the church will be used for an activity or gathering… so pick one and join in our community life! The Mothers Group meets in the Memorial Room, a Town Hall to discuss paint colors for the Sanctuary will be in the Sanctuary, Queer Community Conversations in the Gathering Room, Brown Bag Brunch in the Board Room, and the Pastoral Care Committee in the ArtPlay classroom. We are growing a community, indeed!
May Love find you today and remind you how very precious you are. I look forward to seeing you soon.
In faith, Rev. Tara