Since most UU congregations celebrate Water Communion, this ritual is a way to feel connected to each other, to our wider faith, and to the earth. It is a symbol of unity and freely choosing to create a multigenerational congregation centered in UU values and love. We honor our individual differences, journeys, struggles and gifts- but also know that “together“ we are much stronger. The ritual also brings elements of the earth into our sanctuary; our water, stones and shells are reminders of our own and others’ experiences of mystery, awe and wonder. Shared, they reflect a sanctuary full of sacred (grateful, joyful, beautiful, wonder-filled) moments and the sustaining power of our collective awe. The “Soul Matters” theme for September is “Building Belonging”. The assumption is that a sense of belonging among a group of diverse folks doesn’t just happen; it takes intention, attention, presence and preparing for those who might come by- even “before“ they arrive. Here are a few reflective questions about belonging if you choose to muse: –Do you have a favorite memory of childhood belonging? What about a memory of belonging in a religious or spiritual community? How did you know you belonged there? –Of all the communities you’ve belonged to, which is your favorite? How would you say thank you to it if you could? Are there ways you pay it forward? –What gift of belonging has your “chosen family” given to you that your family of origin didn’t or couldn’t? –What messages does our country give about who “belongs” and who doesn’t- and how can we regularly counteract exclusionary messages? –Do you feel a sense of belonging in any particular landscape? Where, and why? See you at the Meeting House, perhaps with stones or shells in our pockets. It is time to gather together again, to tap into our love and power as a congregation! Rev. Lee
“Let’s be the welcome we crave... Let us embody the community we crave.”
There has been a buzz of activity around North Parish for the past two weeks as volunteers and staff get ready to re-open the Meeting House doors this Sunday. We begin the year with our Ingathering or Homecoming service which includes a ritual we call the Water/Stone/Shell Communion; children and youth will also be meeting in their small groups for the first time. Everyone is invited to bring a small container of water or a stone or a shell from a special place to add to a common bowl. During the service there will be time to write down something you bring to, and/or seek from, our community. What is one value, emotion, spiritual practice, ethical commitment or personal gift that you bring to North Parish? What do you seek?