“...create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there... until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands...”
It’s hard to believe it’s time to wrap up the “regular” church year this weekend, and yet here we are.
As a congregation, we’ve hit a lot of big anniversaries this year. The 10th anniversary of moving into the New Wing, the 15th year of McVagly, the 18th anniversary of Jericho Road/Community In Roads, the 20th anniversary of the Sangha, the 32nd anniversary of the People’s Pantry, the 35th anniversary of Crossroads- to name a few. Then of course there are the big ones- the 378th birthday of the congregation and the 187th year of the 1836 Meeting House! My 25th anniversary of ministry at North Parish pales in comparison to the congregation’s long history. It pales in comparison to the decades that some of you have been members! Then again, I’m not sure how a quarter century has passed by. How the time does fly. We have been through a lot of personal and societal history together.
I’m always looking for reasons to celebrate good things in this world and in our community, so I’m excited for the party on Saturday celebrating our partnership as minister and congregation over these 25 years. Many thanks in advance to all those who’ve been involved, who’ve dreamt up ideas and donated and who will be able to attend; for those who can’t, we’ll take pictures! Just a reminder: everyone deserves the credit for building and sustaining this congregation and bringing all sorts of ministries to life over these past 25 years- so please pat yourselves on the back! There is always more to do, to teach, to sing, to protest, to create… but so much good work has already been done. Thank you for supporting (and tolerating) me as we’ve done some of that work together.
To those of you who won’t be here this weekend and don’t attend summer services, I wish you time for renewal this summer in places that are beautiful and sacred, no matter how close or far from your front door. For those who do attend summer services, I know you’ll find renewal here on Sunday mornings. Many thanks to the Worship Committee, the worship leaders and Susanne Hinson-Rieger for planning the summer services and religious education! There is so much richness and wisdom, creativity and kindness among you all. That’s what makes a great congregation.
Hope to see you at the Meeting House!
Rev. Lee