Greetings church family!
I pray that you and yours are well these days.
I love this month’s theme. Delight. One of my favorite activists is the fierce Dorothy Day who devoted her life to working on behalf of the poor and homeless in the early 20th century. Her faith was a hefty one and it not only fueled her convictions, but also anchored her to an unshakeable joy. She is famously known for saying: “It is my duty to pay attention to the suffering. And it is my duty to pay attention to delight.” This Sunday, I will be digging into this a bit more–so often I find myself thinking I must choose between the two.
I hope this will be a good way to begin and end this month together. There is so much to delight in as a community, and we also know that we are a faithful people who have promised to bear the beams of love in this world–this isn’t always easy, is it? The next several weeks will offer us lots of ways to hold both. I hope you will stay connected to all that’s thrumming here at FPW, and in our larger community. If you are longing for something that isn’t happening, won’t you think about bringing it to us? None of us can do it alone–we need you!
Speaking of the days ahead, many of you know that most UU churches change rhythm come mid-June. In a few weeks, the Arbella will lay out what my summer schedule will be, along with Allison’s and other staff members. You will also get a better sense of summer worship and good ways to stay engaged in the coming months. I tend to think of summer in the same ways I think about the great Sufi poet Rumi’s words: “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground…” How might you live out your faith in new ways these coming months? Reach out if you would like to talk more about this, won’t you?
My spiritual companions, I delight in being your minister every day, and am honored to bear the beams of love with you. Thank you for all the good you bring to this community and the world.
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.