“The earth laughs in flowers.”
On Sunday during our Flower Communion service we gave thanks to many and celebrated all of the spiritual friendships that are made at North Parish. If you missed it, the adults who were spiritual guides and friends to the children and youth all got a pair of rainbow socks with the message “Thanks for working your socks off!” The socks will also be available this Sunday for anyone who volunteered in Religious Education.
We thanked all those who have taken various “paths” to service and presence in the congregation: the paths of Sunday morning participation, of creativity, of activism, of spiritual practices and building relationships, of physical labor, of stewardship and leadership. I forgot to mention that the beautiful cards which the ushers were handing out at the end of the service were part of our collective thank you to you all! This Sunday there will also be plenty more cards for you to take; I hope you’ll one put somewhere at home to remind you of the NP gardens or to send an encouraging message to someone who crosses your mind.
We thanked outgoing Board members Susan Malloy and Lynn Langton as well as the outgoing chairs of various working teams: Cathie Briscoe (Caring), Shelby Christian (Personnel), Christine Leone (Social Media), Aaron Pawelek (Worship), Keith Wentzel (Red Bow Fair), Lynn Wentzel (Welcoming/Membership). We thanked, charged and blessed the new and continuing leaders of the congregation- the new Board members, the Parish Council members and the leaders of various small groups. We honored their maturity of spirit, their willingness to serve, and their promise to serve with high standards of integrity. We promised to be honest and direct with them and do what we can support the congregation’s mission ourselves. Huge thanks to all who have or will take a turn at leadership! We are already deep in the midst of planning for next year, and the Board and I welcome your thoughts about the best usage for our additional Engagement Funds and potential strategic initiatives. I truly hope you’ll stay tuned in this summer, as we respond to what’s happening locally and nationally.
Finally, thanks to those who told me that they took the message to be joyfully, proudly religious in public to heart and put UU bumper stickers on their car or dug out their UU chalice necklace to wear this week! The next step is to say, when in conversation with folks concerned about the state of the world, “I find support/hope/encouragement from my congregation, North Parish- which is open to all and centered on love.” As I said on Sunday, “Invite your atheist friends; tell them they’re needed and that with love at the center and freedom of belief, we’re the congregation for them right now!” You never know whose life you might change.
Yours in great anticipation of the animal companions I’ll meet this Sunday,
Rev. Lee