On Tuesday we were out in the garden, tucking it in before snow possibly arrives later this week. We harvested the last of the green tomatoes, cut down the sunflower stalks, made a few bundles of herbs to hang and dry, and clipped the remaining marigolds to bring inside.We mulched some leaves, and then some more leaves, and put away the electric lawnmower, and made the electric snowblower more accessible. Time passes and seasons change…

Cycles of life and death are always present, and at this time of year, we may particularly feel sadness and loss. This is the time of year of remembering our ancestors, of giving thanks for lives well lived, of honouring those who have died. This feels particularly tender this year, with the recent passing of four UUSS elders, Ned Bigelow, Jean Wilkinson, Helen Webster, and Owen Sutton. We know that each loss is connected to all other losses. Let us be gentle with ourselves and one another. May we find hope in the memories of ancestors of our families, communities, and the congregation.

With care~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy