Greetings friends,
It’s been very moving these past weeks to reunite with you, and to see so many new faces in the ‘pews.’ Being reminded that there are newer friends in our midst is a good thing! It helps us all consider how we talk about our faith, how we live it, and, certainly, how we make room at the table.
For my part, I am working to not make assumptions about everyone magically knowing how things work around here, so I thought I’d share a bit about my rhythms at FPW. Every week I take a Sabbath which begins Sunday night and lasts through Tuesday morning. During this time, I don’t check any emails, attend meetings or do work of any kind. I spend time in prayer and meditation and do the things that spark joy in my life. I have loved hearing from some parishioners that they also carve out intentional rest during this time, or for a portion of it. It’s a lovely thing to do together.
Once a month we UU ministers take a Sunday off and allow for a guest preacher to bring their special gifts to worship with you. You will see that on October 13th the wonderful Rev. Danielle DiBona is returning! I also don’t lead worship services over the summer. This is when I take my vacation time–which just isn’t possible from September–June. You, like most UU churches, offer more casual lay-led worship services, and in this congregation your remarkable Worship Committee and Music Director, Charlyn Bethell, oversee these lovely services. If this is something you might like to consider offering, please let us know!
Throughout the church year I take a few short spiritual retreats that pull me away for a time. It just so happens that I am taking four days at the Sisters of Notre Dame convent in Ipswich, MA this coming week (10/7-10/10) to join interfaith colleagues in the last gathering of a residency entitled The Soul of Leadership through the Shalem Institute. During this time, I will be reachable, but most likely will be a bit delayed in my responses.
I am grateful to this congregation for supporting the spiritual needs of their ministers with such love, trust and care. It’s a gift I cherish and don’t take for granted.
And blessings to you as you live out your ministries here at First Parish–as new friends and as longtime members. May we all remember to rest, do the things that bring us joy, and stay connected to our faith, and each other.
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.