Congregational life is an ever changing entity even as it might be the same institution, like a river. The Mohawk River has been flowing for a LONNNNGGG time and yet, it is never the exact same river from day to day.
The tradition of an Adult Holiday Party was expanded to have a Homemade Holiday event for kids which has evolved now into a multigenerational Holiday Hangout. And that is ok-things change and evolve over time and sometimes things fade away and sometimes new things are created. Letting things go with grace and intention and welcoming new things in with curiosity and anticipation can give our lives meaning, especially at the holidays when there are usually too many expectations (often unspoken) and we have choices to make about what we can/can’t do.
Each winter (except during parts of Covid shutdown), we have created a wreath for our front door at home. We are already anticipating the smell of evergreens and the bright decorations that will enliven our senses. The creative process is joyful and spiritual as well. The Wreath-making crew is skilled and patient, teaching hands young and old how to make wreaths, how to make a bow, how to use a glue tool (we’re working to remove violent language from everyday usage as one of our spiritual practices), and more. Other craft leaders (who have also changed over time) will be offering their gifts of skill and patience, teaching all who come into the dining room how to do their particular craft project. Meanwhile, those who wish to sing holiday songs will be in the back of the Great Hall and those who need a new photo for Breeze (our database) can wander into the photo booth.
As UUA President, Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD, posted recently, “The reminder to reclaim craft is counter cultural, is healing, and undergirds resistance itself. Mindful attendance to craft in all its forms reconnects us to an approach to life that centers on what is tangible and concrete, and helps us to detach from the too often weaponized stress and despair of these times. As we move through the push and pull of winter seasonal holidays – and all the complexity of life in these times – may our return to craft help us to recall one another’s gifts and our own, and continue to answer the invitation to transform the world itself.”
We hope you will join us on Sunday, for crafts, for community, and opportunities to gather, create, sing, and share delicious treats! – Rev. Wendy & Rev. Lynn