Greetings Church Family,
May has arrived and the glory of Spring is bursting forth. My body and being has been longing for some warmth and beauty. The sun, birdsong and blossoms feel like a great mercy, don’t they? Revel in it and take from it what you need!
Over the next two weeks I will be taking some Study Leave days. Part of being a minister means making intentional time during the church year for study and spiritual retreat with other clergy members. During the first week of May, I will attend the UU Ministers Association New England Retreat on Cape Cod with about 100 other UU ministers. I am particularly excited to hear from our keynote speaker Dr. Amelia Nagoski, author of one of my favorite books “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.” We will also be engaging in spiritual practices, fellowship, learning, and rest. The following week I will attend my bi-annual Stonehouse Clergy Group where we will work with the theme “The In-Between” and discuss books, essays, poems, and art that speak to this in some way.
I always leave these clergy gatherings renewed, inspired, and grateful. One of the great blessings of ministry is the ability to embark on contemplative retreats such as these–thank you for valuing the need for them. You might find that some of my communication is a tad bit delayed during this time–but worry not, I will respond! I will not, however, be holding open office hours on 5/7 or 5/14.
I wonder if a retreat might be calling your name? There are a variety of ways to draw down and nourish Spirit–they need not be grand pilgrimages or expensive trips to hold renewing heft. If this is something you would like to talk about with me, please reach out. This is a perfect time of year for the practice of Imagination, which is our month’s theme. You might ask yourself how you imagine feeding and renewing your soul in the days and weeks ahead?
I am looking forward to worshipping with you in the coming weeks. We have some beautiful services planned and the sanctuary is flooded with light and life. Church is such a blessing these days.
Thank you for all that you bring to us. Thank you for the good you do in the world. Thank you for being an important part of this our beloved community.
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.