Something I love about congregational life is the sweet rhythm of a church year. May and June invite us to reflect on all that we have done to put our faith into action this past year–caring for so many souls within and beyond our walls; to look ahead and consider what is calling our names for our return to one another in the fall; and, especially, to slow down and prepare our bodies and spirits for the needed quieting that late spring/summer offers.
Because we are a church, we work to cultivate meaning as we move through the symphony of a year together. Indigenous wisdom-keeper Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote that ritual “marries the mundane to the sacred.” It can be alluring to default to the teachings and practices of secular culture; however we are not a secular community. We are a spiritual one. This means that all that happens here, all that we give and receive, aspires to marry the mundane to the sacred.
One thing I like to do to help with this is to play a little game I call ‘but why?’ For everything that happens and needs doing at church I will ask but why? Inevitably, this leads me to the deeper purpose that undergirds all of church life: changing light bulbs, cleaning up, ordering candles, responding to an email, turning in receipts, etc. take on sacred meaning–for the final answer, after several but why’s, tends to be something like: so that this church can be a place of healing and transformation, or so that people feel seen and loved. Try it!
The Rituals we partake in at church (which is our theme this month) like sharing our Joys and Sorrows with one another, or lighting a chalice at the beginning of our meetings–offer tangible reminders about the but why? so that our ministries and doings are always in service to the Sacred.
I’m looking forward to hearing about what it is you are seeing and experiencing here as we celebrate a remarkable year, dream about all that calls to us, and give our weary selves the blessed gift of rest in the coming months. I would also love to know about your ‘but why’s’!
What a blessing it is to be a part of a community whose well is filled with sacred living waters meant for all who come here thirsty and longing. Thank you for being this well, and for being the church.
Blessings and 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.