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Message for Winter

As we embark on the winter months, I’m mindful that we can be pulled in many different directions. Some of us find that the longer nights and colder weather invite us to time alone – wrapping up in warm sweaters and blankets, lighting candles or fires, settling in with a good book or a beloved movie. We seek time of quiet and stillness. Some of us find that all the traditional festivities of the holiday season invite us to spend time with others – gathering with friends and family to feast, party, and exchange gifts. We seek a time of frivolity and celebration. Still others find that the winter landscapes invite us to go outdoors – taking brisk walks amid the leafless trees or skiing down mountain slopes. We seek movement and adventure. Our worship theme for December reminds us to practice presence – which means whichever invitation we accept, we are encouraged to be fully present to where we are, who we’re with, and what we are doing. Even if we find ourselves accepting many different invitations, we may find that taking even a moment to appreciate where we are NOW can help deepen our appreciation of all life has to offer.

Living Love through the Practice of Presence

We’ll explore Living Love through the Practice of Presence in worship services and covenant groups. Even if you are not in a small group, everyone is invited to explore the resources available on our website. In addition to being present at our regular Sunday services, you might attend the festive holiday concert organized by our outstanding pianist Jared Gibbs or our annual Christmas Eve service, complete with favorite songs and readings, culminating with lighting candles as we sing Silent Night. Everyone is also invited to participate in the reverse advent activity – adding a food item each day to a box that will be donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry at the end of the holiday season. It’s good to be present to ourselves, to our congregation, and to the wider community.

I’m also mindful that as we move out of the month of December and all its busyness and distractions, that the new year will bring challenges and opportunities to more fully live into our values and principles. It seems likely that while we may have a much smoother transition of power than we experienced four years ago, some may feel anxious and worried about the year ahead. One way to be ready to respond to any concerning policies or legislation is to stay present and focused on our values – Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, Generosity – and the central value of Love. One of my favorite UU taglines is “Love the Hell out of the World.” If we stay present to who we are, what we value, and how we can create the world we want for ourselves and our children, then we can answer whatever calls us to action.

My wish is that we may be present to all that brings us beauty, joy, and love in this season.

– Rev. Pam