Greetings Church Family,
I pray that you and yours are well these days.
With November drawing closer, I feel compelled to speak about the growing collective anxiety that our country is feeling in the face of this election. I see the Unitarian Universalist church as having a very clear charge: to offer a moral compass for how we show up in the world, to give us tools that help us cultivate spiritual resilience and renewal, and to be a sanctuary for our weary souls when our nervous systems simply can’t take any of it anymore. I hope that over the coming weeks our church can be all these things for you in one way or another.
In this spirit, here are a few reminders about where you might find direction, renewal and sanctuary over the coming weeks:
Sunday Service: Worshipping together through prayer, music, singing, silence, wisdom texts, story, and even some good and raucous dancing, clapping, and laughing, is a great way to nourish your body, mind and soul. Plus, you will be in the company of those who love you which is an added bonus!
Vespers: On October 22nd and November 5th at 7pm we will light the sanctuary up with candles and offer you silence, beautiful live music and poetry. Note the special 11/5 Vespers service on Election Day. You can also join us by Zoom.
Prayer Vigils: On November 5th from 9am–7pm and November 6th from 9am–6pm our church and sanctuary will be open for you to come and pray, or simply rest in the beauty of our sacred space. Print outs of prayer litanies will be offered, music will play, and candles will be available to light. We will also set up our front carpet for young ones, should they like a place to play and rest.
Our Living Tradition, Sacred UU Texts and Teachings: On Saturday, October 19th from 10:30am-11:30am on Zoom Rev. Sophia will guide us through some of the sacred wisdom of our tradition that is meant to offer guidance, solace and meaning particularly in challenging times. This Saturday will focus on our faith’s theological center point: Love.
Meditation Circle: Every Monday at 7pm Sensei Morris Sullivan leads a stunning Meditation Circle here at church. All are welcome to come and find your way home to yourselves.
The Heart of the Matter: On Sunday, October 29th following worship we gather with Rev. Sophia in the conference room to speak from the heart about all that we are carrying these days.
Sunday Social Hour: Every Sunday following worship we gather downstairs for food and fellowship. If you need to talk to anyone about how you are, or are looking to get more involved in the wider community, or in our community, this is the place to turn and to take comfort in.
And if you find yourself longing to put your faith in action, check out UU the Vote: https://uuthevote.org. They offer a variety of opportunities to engage in this election in meaningful and impactful ways.
I genuinely believe that the antidote to anxiety and despair is connection. I pray that you will do just this: stay connected–to your faith, to your deeper selves, to the Earth, to one another.
Be safe out there. Take care of yourselves and each other. Look for beauty. Don’t lose hope.
Yours in love and faith,
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.