Over the past couple of weeks we have been reflecting on resilience, and the ways that we can increase resilience in ourselves and one another. Today, we consider resilience practices for communities and families and ways that we have witnessed some of these at UUSS.

Reach out – We are less resilient when we are isolated. We have seen connections and care expressed through cards, phone calls, a warm welcome on Zoom or at the church front door, a conversation between folks meeting for the first time, or an email to check in with someone you miss. How might you reach out to someone today?

Show up- Your presence matters. This past weekend, folks of all ages showed up… for the garden work party, with loaves of bread or pots of soup on Sunday, with willing hands to wash dishes, adults caring for our kids, sharing a ride to worship, showing up with a sense of play to be part of a story, with commitment and curiosity for the congregational meeting, with song as a member of the choir, or showing up to share in the gifts of community as a visitor or member of a multigenerational congregation. How might you show up for someone in your family, or at UUSS?

Offer gratitude – Expressing thanks and appreciation increases a sense of well-being and resilience in both the person offering gratitude, and the one receiving it. Through smiles, hugs, and words of thanks, we can offer gratitude to one another. On Sunday afternoon we gathered with our interfaith neighbors at Vale Urban Farm. While the wind was very cold, our hearts were warm with thanks for our shared multi-faith commitment to interrupt acts of oppression and hatred. What a gift… to join in solidarity and community! Might you offer someone who’s part of this congregation some gratitude that perhaps you’ve not offered before?

Today we give thanks to you, for the opportunity to serve as your Co-ministers and to work with our fabulous Staff, and for the Rain, Sun, and Earth and the Spirit of Life and Love that holds us all.

In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy