This week, as we reflect on February’s theme, “We are Many, We are One” and consider the onslaught of federal decisions and actions, we are clear that many, many of us are being impacted, and that we, as your ministers and as part of the community of UUSS, are committed to responding with care and in solidarity whenever possible.

At UUSS, we are many: we are teachers, immigrants, and people receiving social security benefits. We are worried about our families, our neighbors, and those most vulnerable in the world. We are cisgender, transgender, gender queer, and non-binary people. We have folks who are state and federal employees, or who have family members recently let go from their federal positions. We have a variety of philosophical and spiritual perspectives and beliefs.

And, we are one, in that we know that that which harms any of us, hurts us as a whole. We are interdependent. We might not feel it as much as the people most directly impacted. But it ripples whether we are cognizant of it or not.

We are grateful to those of you who have asked for some support as you face personal losses, as well as the worries, hardships, migration, and challenges brought on by the new regime. We can’t help one another if we don’t know what is needed. Thank you, to folks who have been doing big and small acts to speak out, to resist, and to care for one another. Keep doing them. They are having an impact. And remember to Breathe.

Breathe. Act. Breathe.

Stay connected to what sustains you.

Breathe. Ask for help when needed.

Breathe. We can overcome this if we listen, learn, and act together.

With care and in faith~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy