A2U2 Community,
I hope this finds you cozy and well! There is lots going on in the life of our community this time of year as we head toward the holiday season. As I have been watching plans and projects and programs come together, teamwork has been on my mind. And I engaged in some real teamwork yesterday in my life, too, which drove the theme home for me.
Arriving home from a dog walk, I noticed a big, still animal in my backyard (luckily before I let the dog out). After closer investigation I came to the unfortunate realization that it was an absolutely massive dead racoon. I went into denial because that wasn’t on my list of problems I planned to face on Wednesday. But after realizing rain was in the forecast and pondering the looming reality of what I know about the biological processes that happen in and to an animal’s body after death, I couldn’t put it off. So when I got home later, my partner and I made and executed a plan. I will spare you the details, but it included gloves, masks, headlamps, a large plastic tub, and two shovels. Neither of us was thrilled about the prospects of dealing with the reality in front of us, after dark and in the cold, but we worked as a team and got it done. There was laughter and it ended up being one of those unfortunate shared experiences that brings you closer together.
Earlier in the week, I sat with a new church committee as we talked through the work ahead of us. With delight the group came to realize they share a common passion for the same particular niche of congregational life. There was a quality of energy in the room that emerges when real teamwork is happening… when shared willingness to show up intersects with the goal of working on behalf of the common good. Again I am reminded that with the right combination of people, even a difficult or daunting task can become a way to deepen relationships, find meaning, and ultimately live out the values of our faith.
Whether navigating a decision or challenge with your family, housemates, business partners, or friends… working on a church committee… teaming up with others to make an event happen… How are you experiencing teamwork right now? If you’re not, what might you need to shift the dynamic toward one that would be more lifegiving? If you are, what are its gifts you notice in your life?
I will be out of the pulpit this Sunday, because one of the ways that UU Ministers and congregations in southern Maine practice teamwork is by pulpit swapping when we are on sabbatical. So this week I will lead worship at First Universalist in Yarmouth while my colleague Rev. Hillary is on sabbatical. In 2028 when I am on sabbatical, Rev. Hillary will preach at A2U2. I will miss you, but wish you a rich morning reflecting on curiosity with your A2U2 Worship Committee.
May you work and play well with others until we’re together again.
In faith,
Rev. Tara