Happy October!
Though I can’t believe September is behind us, I’m grateful for the changing of the leaves and look forward to what this month brings. Thank you to all who participated in the rituals of return this September… in blessing our backpacks, pouring water into our common dish, and talking in small groups about what we want to practice together as an A2U2 community this year. It has been so rich! Emily and I are working on distilling our notes from the Sunday small groups and will have our covenant to share with you in the coming days. And then we get to practice and see what’s possible.
We have focused these past weeks on the love and relationships among and between us as a congregation. This Sunday we’ll shift our gaze a bit farther out and think about our neighbors… the love beyond us. We have two guests who will join me in leading worship, Rev. Laura Randall and Jay Pacitti. Rev. Laura and Jay work for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, a non-profit organization that advances human rights and social justice around the world by partnering with grassroots movements to confront oppression and co-create a more just future. Rooted in Unitarian Universalist values and sustained by a community of members, partners, congregations, and activists, UUSC works alongside and follows the lead of those most affected by injustice. In Sunday’s service, “Neighbors Everywhere,” Rev. Laura will share stories of neighbors who are using the power of community solidarity to forge a new way.
ICE has been active in our community again this week, as close as my own neighborhood. Political signs are popping up on medians as election day nears. I am reminded yet again of the words spoken by Rabbi Joachim Prinz at the 1963 March on Washington: “Neighbor is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept.” As we continue to strengthen our bonds with each other, let us use their strength to reach out beyond our comfort zones in solidarity and care for our neighbors. When we reach out in this way, we are rarely left unchanged.
On Saturday evening you’re invited to a pot-luck for all ages… the spiritual practice of breaking bread together. Maybe you’ll invite a neighbor or two! And Sunday after service I hope you’ll join the Congregational Life Ideas Blitz! at 11:30 in the Gathering Room so the emerging Committee on Congregational Life can hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can strengthen our care and hospitality for longtimers and newcomers alike.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
In faith,
Rev. Tara