Over the past four weeks I have watched our sanctuary swell. Just this past Sunday we were bursting at the seams–at one point I had to go out to the welcome area to bring in more chairs! I’ve been casting my eyes carefully around the sanctuary, gazing into the faces of our kids, parents, newcomers, longcomers, wanderers who have been coming and going for years–and I keep thinking to myself this is what church is for: a sanctuary for the soul. It’s been a heck of a month, and you are wise to know that spiritual community is the well we all need to draw from so that we might know how to face it all and face it all well. Thank you for welcoming new friends into our church and thank you for bringing your friends to church. Let’s all keep working together to open our doors and hearts wider and take seriously what it means to be a sanctuary people.
The story that proceeds Jesus’ birth depicts a horrific time in history where all hope felt lost. Until it wasn’t. Religious texts speak in symbols and draw from the oral traditions and civilizations which preceded them–in this case, the birth of Jesus arrives around the winter solstice–where light begins to grow again, as told through many Goddess myths and legends. I really need stories and symbols like these right now–the kind that remind me of perilous times in the long human story where oppressed peoples still found ways to come together to cultivate meaning and hope.
Maybe you will also find meaning and solace in these ancient stories and symbols. Maybe you will teach us about other sacred texts, teachings and practices that show us how to stay steady in times such as these. Or maybe you aren’t sure where to look for meaning and solace but here you are!
Despite what our secular world yells and shouts at us about the season, this really is the time to slow down. Come to church and light a candle. Make a new friend. Sit back and receive the music. Pray. Join us as we cultivate hope, search for meaning, and build sanctuary together.
Thank you for all the good you bring to this church and community. We really are blessed by your presence here.
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.