And just like that, it’s March!
This is a bustling time of year at First Parish. I tend to think that this puts us in step with the spirit of Spring, which is almost here! Most of your leaders are thinking about all the wonderful things that lie ahead in our giving, membership and nominating seasons. Planning for our next church year begins to descend on our minds and hearts. It’s not hard to feel a sweet burst of newness germinating, and right alongside this, the good question: what needs to be let go of to make way for the new?
Some of your leaders, who have faithfully served in ministries that have spanned decades, are preparing themselves to pass the torch. Some are ready to move on, and others are worried about what happens if they do. Others are trying to discern where their hearts are being pulled these days. And many are attempting to simply receive amid tender times in their personal lives. As Ecclesiastes teaches, for everything there is a season, and I believe this.
Poet Dawna Markova once wrote: I choose…to live so that which came to me as seed/goes to the next as blossom/and that which came to me as blossom/goes on as fruit. Such is the way in which we share in the ministry and mission of church life, together. All of this requires Trust, which is our theme this month. Trust in those who have come before us, trust in ourselves, trust in one another, and trust in those who will come after us.
Placing our trust in these blessed cycles of seeds, blossoms and fruit can be a beautiful act of faith, love, reciprocity, and joy. And sometimes it’s painful and scary. Of course, the rewards of wise discernment rooted in spiritual seeking and our faith’s values, yields bounties. For all.
As you move through the next weeks discerning your pledges, leadership, membership, and all the known and unknown things to come, remember that you are not alone. We love you and care about all that you are, all that you give, and all that you receive. Thank you for the good you bring to us, and to the world. Thank you for being a part of this beautiful, sacred community.
Blessings and love to you,
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.