Friends,
I pray this finds you and yours well today.
The autumn equinox on September 22nd ushered us into a change in season. At this moment of transition, the equinox reveals a wondrous slant of yellow summer light, with the sun located directly above the equator, and day and night become equal in length. It’s a strange and in-the-balance moment before night begins to stretch itself out longer and longer as we approach the winter solstice in December, or the longest night.
For my part, I love seasonal turnings. I love them because they offer time to reflect on what has been and what shall be–a quieting time that brings a slow and balanced steadiness in its transition; warm days co-mingle with cold ones. Mother Earth can indeed be a gentle soul. I imagine Her taking our hands and slowly walking us towards winter, letting us stop as much as we need to before officially crossing us over.
It seems that we as a congregation are in sync with Nature’s rhythm, for we as a people are in a time of transition and crossing–both within and beyond these our blessed walls. This is a time of looking back and looking forward. Sometimes we will feel in balance. Sometimes we won’t. Often, we will need to slow down and take stock. We will also need to stop and rest before going on.
I pray that we can be gentle with ourselves as we traverse the changes in our midst. That we can move slowly and stop when we need to; that we can grieve well and prepare for the new vistas that lie ahead. And mostly, I hope that we can ask for a helping hand when we need it.
You will see in this month’s Arbella that we are launching Chalice Circles here at First Parish of Watertown, with the hopes of beginning them in January. I hope you will take the time to read more about this blessed offering, for it is a way that we as a community can deepen our relationships with one another, practice deep listening and expand our spiritual lives. I am committed to working with your incredible staff and lay leaders to plant as many faith-formative offerings, such as Chalice Circles, in this church over this first year of ministry together. I hope you will reach out to me if you are someone who would like to share some of your practices and teachings with this community.
When so much is in the balance, we come to know that it is in relationship, both with ourselves and one another, that the impossible becomes possible.
It is an honor to serve as your minister and to be on this sacred path with you.
In faith and with love,
Rev. Sophia
Reverend Sophia Lyons
Rev. Sophia is committed to radical welcome and spreading the good news that is our bold Unitarian Universalist faith. Some of her areas of interest include interfaith partnerships, addictions ministry, spiritual direction, and working towards collective liberation for all. Rev. Sophia aspires to live her life and fulfill her ministry guided by spiritual seeking, big love, and the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism.