What a joy it was to gather with so many of you on Sunday morning both online and in person for the in-gathering water communion service. Energy was high as we sang a song from the new virtual hymnal Sing Out Love together, This Boat by Laura Zucker. “This boat is steady, this boat is sure. When you’re ready, climb aboard! When you’re ready, grab an oar, this boat will carry us to the farthest shore.”

Those who seek to divide, to scare, to intimidate, to silence can not do those things when we join together, shoulder to shoulder, fortified by community, guided by Love.

Big thanks to Linda Veraska for organizing the potluck lunch, to all the volunteers who made it happen, and to those who created delicious food and lovely company. A special shout-out to the clean up crew, too!

At the potluck, there were so many folks that more tables were needed! There is room for you in the boat that is UUSS. Together, we widen our circle and welcome one another in. When we are ready, we take turns at the oars. That is how we create and sustain beloved community. That is how we live with compassion, create justice, and celebrate with joy!

There are lots of wonderful opportunities to connect-come to worship, join the choir, teach in religious education, sign postcards to get out the vote, engage in justice advocacy, eat a locavore lunch, sign up for a covenant group (TODAY!), join the Tech Deck, volunteer as a greeter, usher, security, or social hour, check out a Ministry Team, help out with the 125th celebrations, get the UUA Common Read book, and more as the year gets rolling.

Keep reading Circuits. Keep connecting at UUSS. We will not let anyone divide us with evil, lies, and abuse of power. We will choose love and one another in our beautiful diversity. Invite a friend to join you. People with our values need community.

For us all,

Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy