Dear First Parishers,
One of the things I find beneficial about my meditation practice is a consistent reminder that emotions—even strong ones—don’t last forever. When I am feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or even despair, I try to remember this truth and ride out the wave. It is not easy, especially these days, when the headlines are full of troubling news; when people’s lives are being disrupted and even destroyed by heartless policies; when there is so much uncertainty—economically, nationally, and internationally, and around issues like health care, education, jobs, civil rights, and
he environment. So, when another wave of grief or anxiety or helplessness comes along, I remind myself that I just need to ride it out until I find my grounding again. Which will happen.
I imagine that I am not alone in this. And that you all must be tired of me repeating the same things about these crazy times: to remain grounded in the values of our faith; to do what you can at a local level where we can have a real impact; and to trust that others are doing their part, as we can’t do everything for everybody everywhere all the time. But it is true. And one thing that does help me recover from the waves and find solid ground is being with all of you at First Parish—whether in worship or committee meetings or small groups or fun events, like our Auction. Because another important practice is staying connected in community, so we can be reminded of all these things over and over again when the next wave threatens to overwhelm.
I know that we have something precious here at First Parish because we are seeing many new faces. One of the concerns that was shared last year during the Spirit of Life conversations was the aging of our congregation and a desire to bring in younger people and new energy. Now that that is actually happening, let us welcome them with joy and delight, to share this community that means so much to many of us and to listen to what they are seeking, so that we can help them discern if this is the spiritual home that they are looking for. To help them find their feet, their grounding at First Parish.
Last Sunday, Stephanie and Ryan Owen, chair of this year’s stewardship team, led the worship service to kick off our annual pledge drive. This year’s theme, “Many Threads, One Fabric” describes well what we strive to do in covenant with one another and our UU faith—come together to create a community of faith where what we have together is stronger, more colorful and more beautiful than what any of us could create on our own. This requires that we each offer what we can of our time, talent and treasure.
During times of uncertainty and disruption, there is a natural tendency to want to turn inward and protect what we have rather than risk sharing it. And yet, supporting First Parish, however we are each able to do so, is one way that we can truly have a healing and meaningful impact, both in living into our UU values and touching the lives around us.
Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit and care.
In faith,
Rev. Ellen
